Temperature plays a big role in how enzymes work. It can change the speed of chemical reactions in our bodies. Enzymes work best at certain temperatures, usually between 37°C and 40°C for human enzymes. Here’s how temperature affects enzymes:

1. Energy and Reaction Speed:

   • When the temperature goes up, the molecules move faster. This means enzymes and their target molecules (called substrates) bump into each other more often. This leads to faster reactions.
   • For every 10°C increase in temperature, the reaction speed can double, but only up to a certain point.

2. Enzyme Damage (Denaturation):

   • If the temperature gets too high, enzymes can become damaged. This usually happens when temperatures are between 40°C and 60°C.
   • When enzymes get damaged, they can’t work properly because their shape changes, making it hard for them to grab onto substrates.
   • For example, some studies show that certain enzymes can lose up to half of their working ability when the temperature goes beyond the best range.

3. Different Enzymes for Different Temperatures:

   • Not all enzymes react the same way to heat. Some, called isoenzymes, can handle high temperatures. For example, an enzyme from a heat-loving bacteria (Thermus aquaticus) can stay active at temperatures up to 95°C.
   • This feature helps scientists use these enzymes in high-temperature processes like polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in labs.

4. Importance in Medicine:

   • Knowing how temperature affects enzyme activity is important for health. For example, a fever can help our immune enzymes work better, but too much heat can damage important proteins in our bodies.
   • By finding the best temperature for enzyme activity, doctors can create better medicines and treatment plans.

In short, temperature is a key player in how enzymes work. It can boost activity at lower temperatures and cause damage at higher ones, which is important for both normal body functions and disease processes.