Skip to content
    Biology GCSE

    Enzyme activity and temperature

    What Enzyme activity and temperature means in Biology GCSE, as defined for AQA.

    Definitions of Enzyme activity and temperature

    Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.

    Check what you remember

    Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Enzyme activity and temperature in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.

    Reference: AQA

    Microorganisms release enzymes that digest the milk's lactose into acids, and very high temperatures may kill or denature these enzymes so decay can slow again.
    AQA · Decomposition (biology only) (study guide)
    Warmth increases enzyme activity and microbial growth so decay is faster up to an optimum, but very high temperatures denature enzymes and slow or stop decay.
    AQA · Decomposition (biology only) (study guide)
    Enzymes are sensitive to temperature, so if temperature changes during the investigation, enzyme activity changes too.
    AQA · The human digestive system (study guide)

    Topics that use Enzyme activity and temperature

    Related terms

    Using Enzyme activity and temperature in the exam

    Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.

    Practise Biology questions

    Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.

    Start free

    A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge

    All Biology GCSE terms