What advantage does an enzyme serve over catalysis by the addition of heat energy?

Question

I understand that an enzyme lowers the activation energy, allowing the reaction to run faster, however I am not sure, how it may be favorable during the addition of heat energy. Wouldn't that lower the activity of the enzyme since the enzyme is sensitive to heat?

Answer 1

Molecules and proteins will move faster up to certain heat. Every protein has a heat were it becomes denatured or essentially nonfunctional to breaking of bonds. As long as heat does not exceed this threshold it will help the reaction. The body is typically 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit and at an ideal temperature. Heat shock proteins can help certain enzymes function at more extreme temperatures. The real limits are when such proteins fail and you have dangerous conditions for key parts of the body like the brain/neurons.

Answer 2

If the enzyme is in a biological system, heat will not affect enzyme as the body maintains a constant temperature.. However, if the enzyme is in vitro, heat will cause the enzyme to denature and lose its functionality.