LambChop
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- Dec 19, 2008
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You're right. General rule of thumb is for every 10°C increase in temperature the rate of a chemical reaction approximately doubles. This is true for most chemical reactions, but it's only a "rule of thumb" and can't be applied to ALL chemical reactions. It's based on the Arrhenius equation (we called it the erronius equation in my Pchem class, cause it's a BEAST to derive and we made lots of errors in attempting it, lol). It's an assumption that's pretty useful in general chemistry, but it doesn't account for the complex nature of biochemical reactions.
Biological systems function optimally over a range of temperatures.... but there is a point at which changes in temperature will no longer increase the reaction rate. Temperatures that are too high (or too low) will ultimately denature enzymes and/or damage the critter's ability to function. That's why differen't organisms (aka critters) exist in certain environments and thrive under certain conditions. Think of a bell-shaped curve when you're looking at the effects of temp on living systems.
For example, you can study the way temperature effects the metabolism of yeast by measuring the amount of carbon dioxide they produce (their waste product) over a range of temperatures. You'll find that the amount of carbon dioxide they produce will increase as temperature increases to a point. Beyond that point, continuing to increase the temperature will not result in any further increase in metabolic activity. Even further increases in temperature will decrease the metabolic activity. Very high temperatures will put a stop to metabolism (it kills/cooks the yeast).
This is probably WAY more explanation that anyone cared to have... but hope it's helpful anyway! :blowkiss:
Now here is a PERFECT example of how a "Biologist should write! JMO