Final answer:
Enzyme affinity is affected by temperature changes; within an optimal temperature range, enzymes function efficiently, but outside this range, they may denature and lose functionality. The induced-fit model explains how dynamic changes in enzymes and substrates increase reaction rates.
Step-by-step explanation:
How do changes in the enzyme affinity as a function of temperature illustrate the consequences of "fluidity"? Enzymes, being proteins, have a specific three-dimensional structure that is crucial for their ability to bind to substrates. At an optimal temperature, enzymes have the right balance of flexibility and stability to interact efficiently with their substrates, which is facilitated by the induced-fit model. This model suggests that both the enzyme and substrate undergo dynamic conformational changes upon binding, thereby increasing the reaction's rate However, when the temperature is increased or decreased beyond this optimal range, it can impact the chemical bonds within the active site, making them less suitable for substrate binding.
High temperatures cause denaturation, a process where the enzyme loses its three-dimensional structure, and consequently, function. Extremes in environmental pH can also lead to denaturation, affecting enzyme activity similarly to temperature changes.