Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 11, 2026

Hydrophobic Salt-modified Nafion for Enzyme Immobilization and Stabilization
Published on: July 11, 2012
Water as it applies to the function of enzymes
1Enzyme Research Group, Department of Biology, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Abstract:
Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae can metabolize, grow, and divide over osmotic pressures ranging from 0.24 atm to about 100 atm [Record, T. M. et al. (1999). Trends Biochem. Sci. 23,143-148,190-194; Wood, J. M. (1999). Microbiol. Mol. Bio. Rev. 63, 230-262; Marachal, P. A., and Gervais, P. (1994). Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 42, 617-622]. At the higher end of the range, they perform their functions with difficulty, but they can survive. Over the full span of pressures, the activity of water goes from 0.9998 to 0.93. Neither of the authors can survive at anything like these extremes; some of their enzymes and enzymatic complexes would "fall apart," would either cease to function or would denature. We would very much like to know just how the two microbes manage.
Related Concept Videos
Enzymes
Enzyme deficiencies can often translate into life-threatening diseases. For example, a genetic abnormality resulting in the deficiency of the enzyme G6PD...
Introduction to Enzymes
Most enzymes are proteins that speed up biochemical reactions without being consumed. Enzymes contain one or more active sites that bind the substrates and convert them into products. Many enzymes also...
Introduction to Mechanisms of Enzyme Catalysis
Role of Water in Human Biology
Water's Solvent Properties
Since water is a polar molecule with slightly positive and slightly negative charges, ions and polar molecules can readily dissolve in it. Therefore, it is referred to as a solvent, a...
Introduction To Enzymes
Most enzymes are proteins that speed up biochemical reactions without being consumed. Enzymes contain one or more active sites that bind the substrates and convert them into products. Many enzymes also...
Introduction to Mechanisms of Enzyme Catalysis

