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Multiple Choice
Why does denaturation prevent an enzyme from being able to catalyze its reaction?
A
Denaturation removes all cofactors from the enzyme, making it inactive.
B
Denaturation alters the enzyme's three-dimensional structure, disrupting the active site so substrates can no longer bind properly.
C
Denaturation increases the enzyme's affinity for its substrate, causing the reaction to proceed too quickly.
D
Denaturation causes the enzyme to become more rigid, enhancing its catalytic activity.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of enzyme denaturation: Denaturation refers to the process where an enzyme loses its native three-dimensional structure due to external factors such as heat, pH changes, or chemical agents. This structural change disrupts the enzyme's functionality.
Recognize the importance of the enzyme's active site: The active site is a specific region on the enzyme where the substrate binds and the catalytic reaction occurs. The shape and chemical properties of the active site are crucial for substrate binding and reaction specificity.
Analyze how denaturation affects the active site: When an enzyme is denatured, its three-dimensional structure is altered, including the active site. This structural disruption prevents the substrate from binding properly, thereby halting the enzyme's catalytic activity.
Clarify why cofactors are not the primary issue in this context: While cofactors are important for enzyme activity, denaturation primarily impacts the enzyme's structure rather than directly removing cofactors. The loss of structural integrity is the key reason for the enzyme's inactivity.
Conclude that denaturation does not enhance enzyme activity: Denaturation does not increase substrate affinity or make the enzyme more rigid. Instead, it disrupts the enzyme's ability to function by altering its structure and active site.