How does temperature affect the rate of cellular respiration?

Temperature affects the rate of cellular respiration by influencing the activity of enzymes that facilitate the process.

In more detail, cellular respiration is a biochemical process that cells use to extract energy from glucose. This process is facilitated by a series of enzymes, which are proteins that speed up chemical reactions. Enzymes have an optimal temperature range at which they function most efficiently. If the temperature is too low, the enzymes slow down and so does the rate of cellular respiration. Conversely, if the temperature is too high, the enzymes can denature, or lose their shape, which makes them ineffective and also slows down the rate of cellular respiration.

The optimal temperature for human enzymes is around 37 degrees Celsius, which is our normal body temperature. However, this can vary in other organisms. For example, some bacteria that live in hot springs have enzymes that work best at much higher temperatures.

It's also worth noting that temperature can affect the permeability of the cell membrane, which can influence the rate of cellular respiration. At low temperatures, the cell membrane can become less fluid and more rigid, which can slow down the transport of glucose and other substances into the cell. At high temperatures, the cell membrane can become too fluid, which can also disrupt the transport of substances.

In addition, temperature can affect the solubility of gases, which can influence the rate of cellular respiration. Oxygen is required for aerobic respiration, and its solubility decreases as temperature increases. This means that at high temperatures, there may be less oxygen available for respiration, which can slow down the rate of the process.

IB Biology Tutor Summary: Temperature affects cellular respiration through enzyme activity, with each enzyme having an optimal temperature range. Too cold, enzymes slow down; too hot, they lose shape and function less effectively. In humans, the ideal temperature is around 37°C, but varies in other organisms. Temperature also influences cell membrane fluidity and oxygen solubility, affecting glucose transport and oxygen availability for respiration.