PRESSURE-DEPENDENCE OF ENZYME CATALYSIS

Pressure effects on enzyme function are strongly influenced by environmental factors such as temperature, pH, salt and substrate concentrations, and pressure itself This article examines these effects in relation to volume changes associated with enzymatic reactions and enzyme denaturation. Depending on the experimental conditions, elevated pressure can enhance or inhibit enzyme activity and increase or decrease enzyme stability. Difficulties inherent in the design and interpretation of high pressure experiments are discussed, as are economic considerations pertaining to high pressure enzyme technology.