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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the term "enzyme specificity"?
A
The tendency of an enzyme to increase the rate of all chemical reactions in a cell.
B
The ability of an enzyme to function at a wide range of temperatures and pH values.
C
The property of an enzyme to be inhibited by its product.
D
The ability of an enzyme to catalyze only a particular reaction or act on a specific substrate due to the precise interaction between the enzyme's active site and the substrate.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the term 'enzyme specificity.' Enzyme specificity refers to the ability of an enzyme to catalyze only a specific reaction or act on a particular substrate. This is due to the precise interaction between the enzyme's active site and the substrate.
Step 2: Recall that the active site of an enzyme is a unique region where the substrate binds. The shape, charge, and chemical properties of the active site are complementary to the substrate, ensuring specificity.
Step 3: Eliminate incorrect options by analyzing their definitions. For example, the tendency of an enzyme to increase the rate of all chemical reactions in a cell is incorrect because enzymes are selective and do not catalyze all reactions indiscriminately.
Step 4: Similarly, the ability of an enzyme to function at a wide range of temperatures and pH values is not related to specificity but rather to enzyme stability and activity under different conditions.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct description of enzyme specificity is the ability of an enzyme to catalyze only a particular reaction or act on a specific substrate due to the precise interaction between the enzyme's active site and the substrate.