What effect does an increase in temperature generally have on enzyme activity?

An increase in temperature generally leads to an increase in enzyme activity up to a certain point, as higher temperatures typically provide more kinetic energy to the enzyme and substrate molecules. This increase in kinetic energy results in more frequent collisions and interactions between the enzyme and substrate, facilitating the catalytic process.

However, it's important to note that this effect only holds true to an optimal temperature range. Beyond this optimal range, temperature increases can lead to denaturation of the enzyme, where the enzyme structure unfolds and loses its functional shape, resulting in a decrease in activity. But within the lower to moderate temperature range, the enhancement of activity due to increased molecular motion is the key effect being described here.

In summary, while there may be limits beyond which the activity decreases sharply, the general trend at lower to moderate temperatures is an increase in enzyme activity.