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Multiple Choice
Which of the following conditions is most likely to cause an enzyme to denature?
A
Presence of a noncompetitive inhibitor
B
Addition of a competitive inhibitor
C
Slight decrease in substrate concentration
D
Exposure to extremely high temperatures
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of enzyme denaturation: Enzyme denaturation refers to the loss of the enzyme's three-dimensional structure, which is critical for its function. This structural change is often irreversible and can be caused by extreme environmental conditions.
Review the impact of temperature on enzymes: Enzymes are proteins, and their structure is sensitive to temperature. Extremely high temperatures can disrupt the hydrogen bonds, ionic bonds, and hydrophobic interactions that maintain the enzyme's shape, leading to denaturation.
Analyze the role of inhibitors: Noncompetitive inhibitors bind to an enzyme at a site other than the active site, altering its function but not causing denaturation. Competitive inhibitors compete with the substrate for the active site, temporarily reducing enzyme activity but not affecting its structure.
Evaluate substrate concentration changes: A slight decrease in substrate concentration affects the rate of the reaction but does not impact the enzyme's structure or cause denaturation.
Conclude that exposure to extremely high temperatures is the most likely condition to cause enzyme denaturation, as it directly disrupts the enzyme's structural integrity.