Question

When testing the temperature of catalase, why did the enzyme catalase work best at 37°C? (Select all that apply.)

Answer 1

Answer:

The correct answers are: B) Catalase works best at human body temperature, C) Normal human body temperature is 98.6°F, which equals 37°C.

Explanation:

Catalase is an enzyme found in our bodies that has the important task of breaking down hydrogen peroxide, a molecule that is very toxic. For catalase to work at its optimus speed, it need the body to have a temperature of 37° celsius -98.6°F-, which is what we normally call human body temperature. If the temperature rises or falls below body temperature, catalase will still work but at a much slower rate, until it stops working completely.

Not all enzymes work best at human body temperature, some enzymes reach their optimus state at higher or lower temperatures; but it is important to remember that enzymes are proteins, and proteins denaturalize when the temperature becomes to high, making them lose their shape and function.