Science lab questions: When the enzyme lactase breaks down lactose, the sugar is produced.

The of an enzyme has a big impact on how fast or slow the enzyme reaction occurs.

Two environmental conditions that affect enzyme reaction rates are and .

The faster lactase works, the more will be produced as lactose is broken down.

glucose and galactose

concentration of the enzyme

temperature and pH

glucose and galactose

Explanation:

Enzymes are biological catalysts. They catalyze various biochemical reactions in the  body. Enzymes are proteins.

The enzyme responsible for the breakdown of lactose is lactase. This enzyme catalyzes the breakdown of lactose to glucose and galactose. Galactose is about 65% as sweet as sucrose.

The rate of enzyme reaction is influenced by the concentration of the enzyme.  As the concentration of the enzyme is increased, the velocity of the reaction proportionately increases.

Temperature and pH are important environmental factors that affect the rate of enzyme catalyzed reaction because they influence the activity of the enzyme and may even denature the enzyme.