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Multiple Choice
If you add sucrose to a reaction mixture containing catalase when testing for reactivity, what is the most likely outcome?
A
Oxygen gas will be produced from the breakdown of sucrose.
B
There will be no reaction because sucrose is not a substrate for catalase.
C
Catalase will hydrolyze sucrose into glucose and fructose.
D
The reaction rate will increase due to competitive inhibition.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the role of catalase. Catalase is an enzyme that specifically catalyzes the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) into water (H₂O) and oxygen gas (O₂). It does not act on other substrates like sucrose.
Step 2: Analyze the substrate specificity of enzymes. Enzymes are highly specific to their substrates due to the precise fit required between the enzyme's active site and the substrate. Sucrose is a disaccharide composed of glucose and fructose, but it is not a substrate for catalase.
Step 3: Evaluate the possibility of competitive inhibition. Competitive inhibition occurs when a molecule similar in structure to the substrate competes for binding at the enzyme's active site. Since sucrose does not resemble hydrogen peroxide structurally, it is unlikely to act as a competitive inhibitor for catalase.
Step 4: Consider the chemical reaction. If sucrose is added to a reaction mixture containing catalase, no reaction will occur because catalase cannot hydrolyze sucrose or break it down into glucose and fructose. Catalase is specific to hydrogen peroxide.
Step 5: Conclude the outcome. The most likely outcome is that there will be no reaction because sucrose is not a substrate for catalase, and it does not interfere with the enzyme's activity on hydrogen peroxide.