On Enzymes and Temperature

While discussing homeostasis in biological systems, one of my biology students asked why humans could only survive with only a very narrow range of body temperature. Part of the answer is that the human body is a complex system, and the chemical reactions rely on enzymes that only work effectively within a narrow range of temperatures.

Worthington Biochemical has detailed (probably too much so for our purposes) introduction to enzymes: how they work, how they’re named, etc.

In particular, they have this useful graphical diagrams showing how enzymes have an optimum temperature and pH.

Enzymes work best within an optimum range of temperatures. Image from Worthington Biochemical.
Enzymes work best within an optimum range of temperatures. Image from Worthington Biochemical.

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