Explore the Enzyme Activity Simulator
Change substrate, temperature, pH and inhibitors and watch the reaction rate of an enzyme. Free, no signup, runs in your browser.
- Free to use
- No signup
- Nothing to install
- Runs in your browser
Illustration. Open the tool for the real thing.
See it in action
The Enzyme Activity Simulator with sample data entered and the result showing.
What is the Enzyme Activity Simulator?
Change substrate, temperature, pH and inhibitors and watch the reaction rate of an enzyme. It runs in your browser, so a change to a setting or a drag on an object shows up at once.
Enzymes are used in washing powders, brewing, cheese making, medicine and diagnostic tests. Many drugs work by inhibiting an enzyme.
3 steps to your result
Open the tool and follow along. Nothing to install.
What you get
Reaction rate rises with substrate until all enzymes are busy (saturation).
Each enzyme has an optimum temperature and pH; too hot denatures it.
A competitive inhibitor raises Km. A non-competitive inhibitor lowers Vmax.
Raise the temperature past 45 °C.
Add a competitive inhibitor, then raise substrate.
Move the pH away from 7.
Used for
Pick one to see how it fits.
Biology learners
Biology students and teachers who want to explore living systems, populations and genetics interactively and safely.
Try it freeTeachers
For teachers: project the Enzyme Activity Simulator on the board, let students predict the result, then run it together and test this: Add a competitive inhibitor, then raise substrate. For students: change one thing at a time and write down what changes.
Try it freeHow it compares
A plain look at this tool next to the usual alternative.
| This simulation | Textbook diagram | |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive | Drag, tap and change settings | Fixed picture |
| Install | Nothing to install | Not needed |
| Cost | Free to use | Depends on the book |
Questions people ask
Why do enzymes stop working at high temperature?
Heat changes the shape of the enzyme (it denatures), so the substrate no longer fits the active site.
What is an enzyme inhibitor?
A molecule that slows an enzyme. A competitive inhibitor competes with the substrate for the active site.
Is the Enzyme Activity Simulator free to use?
Yes. The Enzyme Activity Simulator is free, needs no signup or download and runs in your web browser. It is part of the Biology group of AZRS simulations.
Does the Enzyme Activity Simulator work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. The Enzyme Activity Simulator takes touch input as well as mouse input, so you can use its 5 adjustable settings with a finger. A larger screen makes the controls and graphs easier to read.
How do I use the Enzyme Activity Simulator?
1. In the Enzyme Activity Simulator, use the controls to change Substrate, Enzyme amount, Temperature, pH, Inhibitor. The simulation reacts instantly. 2. In the Enzyme Activity Simulator, pick an option such as None, Competitive, Non-competitive to switch modes or load an example. 3. In the Enzyme Activity Simulator, press "Reset products" to start, reset or change what is happening. 4. Start with this experiment: Raise the temperature past 45 °C. Drag any glowing handle, object or slider with your mouse or finger and the Enzyme Activity Simulator responds in real time. 5. Change one setting at a time and watch which readout moves, then compare it with this idea: Reaction rate rises with substrate until all enzymes are busy (saturation).
More free tools
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Try the Enzyme Activity Simulator now
Change substrate, temperature, pH and inhibitors and watch the reaction rate of an enzyme. Free to use.
Try it free