# Explain how the structure of an enzyme allows it to carry out its function, and describe what happens to the enzyme when the temperature rises significantly above its optimum.

> Eduqas A-Level Biology — 1.2 Cell structure and organisation · Explain · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. The enzyme has an active site with a specific shape
2. The shape of the active site is complementary to the substrate
3. An enzyme-substrate complex forms / the substrate binds to the active site
4. At temperatures significantly above the optimum, the enzyme becomes denatured
5. The shape of the active site changes permanently, so the substrate can no longer fit / no enzyme-substrate complexes can form

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-how-the-structure-of-an-20c96991) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.