What happens to enzymes under extreme conditions of temperature and pH?

Enzymes are biological catalysts that facilitate biochemical reactions. Each enzyme has an optimal temperature and pH range within which it operates efficiently. When enzymes are exposed to extreme conditions outside of their optimal range, such as high temperatures or extreme pH levels, the structure of the enzyme can be altered. This alteration occurs because enzymes are proteins, and their three-dimensional shape is crucial for their activity.

Under extreme conditions, the hydrogen bonds and other interactions that maintain the enzyme's structure can break down, leading to denaturation. Denatured enzymes lose their specific shape, particularly in the active site where substrate binding occurs. As a result, the enzyme can no longer bind to its substrate effectively, leading to a significant loss of activity. Thus, extreme temperature and pH not only impair enzyme function but can also be irreversible, meaning the enzyme may not recover its function even if conditions return to normal. This understanding of enzyme behavior under extreme conditions is vital in fields ranging from biochemistry to biotechnology.