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Multiple Choice
How does changing the pH of an enzyme-catalyzed reaction typically affect the rate at which product is formed?
A
It only affects the substrate, not the enzyme.
B
It can alter the ionization state of amino acid residues at the active site, affecting enzyme activity.
C
It has no effect on enzyme activity or product formation.
D
It always increases the rate of product formation regardless of the enzyme.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of pH in enzyme activity: Enzymes are proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions, and their activity is highly dependent on the pH of the environment. The pH can influence the ionization state of amino acid residues, particularly those at the active site, which are critical for substrate binding and catalysis.
Identify the amino acid residues involved: Many enzymes have amino acids with side chains that can gain or lose protons depending on the pH. For example, histidine, lysine, glutamate, and aspartate are common residues whose ionization states are pH-sensitive. These changes can affect the enzyme's structure and function.
Relate pH changes to enzyme structure: Extreme pH values can disrupt the hydrogen bonding and ionic interactions that maintain the enzyme's tertiary and quaternary structure. This can lead to denaturation or loss of the active site's proper shape, reducing or halting enzyme activity.
Consider the optimal pH range: Each enzyme has an optimal pH range where its activity is maximized. Outside this range, the enzyme's efficiency decreases because the active site may no longer be able to bind the substrate effectively or catalyze the reaction.
Conclude the effect of pH on product formation: Changing the pH can alter the ionization state of amino acid residues at the active site, which directly impacts enzyme activity. This, in turn, affects the rate at which the product is formed. The effect is not uniform and depends on the specific enzyme and reaction conditions.