38. The enzyme operates more slowly as
the temperature increases above its optimal temperature because temperatures
above the optimal temperature begin to denature the enzyme. As hydrogen bonds
are broken, the 3-D shape is modified, which in turn begins to affect the shape
of the active site. If the active site is altered too much, it is unable to
bind to the substrate and thus the reaction rate falls as more and more enzymes
fail to recognize their substrates.
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Slichter