NLN PAX Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Study Guide

When enzymes are exposed to extreme temperatures, they may denature, which refers to a structural change in the enzyme that impairs its function. Enzymes are proteins that rely on their specific three-dimensional shape to perform their catalytic functions effectively. High temperatures can disrupt the hydrogen bonds and other interactions that maintain this structure, leading to a loss of the precise shape required for the enzyme to bind to its substrate.

As a result of denaturation, the enzyme's active site may be altered, preventing substrate binding and thereby inhibiting or stopping the enzyme's activity. This denaturation process is typically irreversible for most enzymes, especially when exposed to temperatures significantly outside their optimal range. Understanding this behavior is crucial in fields such as biochemistry and pharmacology, as it underscores the importance of maintaining appropriate conditions for enzymatic reactions.