Multiple Choice
Which of the following enzyme-catalyzed reactions is most likely to produce a smell of ammonia (NH_3)?
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6. Enzymes and Enzyme Kinetics
Enzymes
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What happens to an enzyme’s structure as the temperature exceeds the typical human body temperature (37°C)?
A
The enzyme becomes more stable and its activity increases indefinitely.
B
The enzyme's active site becomes more specific to its substrate.
C
The enzyme is converted into a coenzyme.
D
The enzyme denatures, losing its three-dimensional structure and function.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of enzyme structure: Enzymes are proteins that have a specific three-dimensional structure, including an active site where substrates bind. This structure is crucial for their function.
Learn about the effect of temperature on enzymes: Enzymes function optimally within a specific temperature range. For human enzymes, this is typically around 37°C, which is the normal body temperature.
Recognize the impact of high temperatures: As the temperature exceeds the optimal range, the increased kinetic energy can disrupt the weak bonds (such as hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces) that maintain the enzyme's three-dimensional structure.
Understand denaturation: When these bonds are disrupted, the enzyme loses its specific shape, including the active site. This process is called denaturation, and it results in the enzyme losing its ability to function.
Clarify the incorrect options: The enzyme does not become more stable or indefinitely active, nor does its active site become more specific. It also does not transform into a coenzyme. The correct explanation is that the enzyme denatures, losing its structure and function.
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