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Temperature And Ph Level Affect The Reactivity Of An Enzyme

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Most enzymes are made of the macromolecule proteins. The job of an enzyme is to speed up the breakdown of chemicals and reduce the activation energy needed to do so. Enzymes are proteins folded into complex shapes that allow smaller molecules to fit into them. The place where these substrate molecules fit is called the active site. The enzyme then either breaks down the protein or creates a new larger protein. The enzyme amylase is found in saliva and breaks down the substrate starch,or carbohydrates. Amylase is produced in the salivary glands, pancreas and small intestine. Temperature and pH levels affect the reactivity of the enzyme. Changes in an enzyme's environment cause the enzyme to become denatured or misshapen causing the substrate

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