Final answer:
The observed increase in enzyme A activity at 31 degrees Celsius is because increasing the temperature usually enhances the interactions between enzymes and substrates, leading to an increased reaction rate up to the enzyme's optimum temperature.
Step-by-step explanation:
Effect of Temperature on Enzyme Activity
The increase in activity of enzyme A at 31 degrees Celsius compared to room temperature can be attributed to the temperature dependency of enzymatic reactions. Generally, as temperature increases, there is an initial rise in the rate of enzymatic activity up to the enzyme's optimum temperature. This is because at higher temperatures, enzymes and substrates have more kinetic energy, which tends to increase their interactions and ultimately the rate of reaction. However, beyond the optimum temperature, further increases in temperature can lead to enzyme denaturation, where enzymes lose their three-dimensional structure and, therefore, their functionality. Most enzymes in the human body have an optimum temperature around 37°C to 40°C, and activity decreases above these temperatures. It's important to note, this enhanced activity at higher temperature does not increase the actual amount of enzyme present in the protein extract; rather, it enhances the interactions between enzyme and substrate.