Final answer:
Enzymes function best at a specific temperature called the optimal temperature. At very low and very high temperatures, enzyme activity is nearly zero. Low temperatures make enzymes inactive, while high temperatures cause denaturation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Enzymes function best at a specific temperature range called the optimal temperature. The rate of enzyme-catalyzed reactions is nearly zero at very low and very high temperatures. At low temperatures, enzymes become inactive, and at high temperatures, enzymes denature and lose their three-dimensional structure and function.
For example, when we sterilize objects by boiling them, the enzymes of any bacteria present denature due to the high temperature. Similarly, when we refrigerate or freeze food, enzyme activity slows down, preserving the food for a longer time.
Therefore, maintaining the appropriate temperature is crucial to ensure enzymes' functionality and to control various biological processes.