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Multiple Choice
Enzymes in human cells tend to perform best under which of the following conditions?
A
At a temperature of 25^a0\mathrm{^b0C} and pH 2
B
At a temperature of 100^a0\mathrm{^b0C} and highly basic pH
C
At a temperature of 0^a0\mathrm{^b0C} and highly acidic pH
D
At a temperature of approximately 37^a0\mathrm{^b0C} and near-neutral pH
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the optimal conditions for enzyme activity in human cells. Enzymes are proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions, and their activity is highly dependent on environmental factors such as temperature and pH.
Recognize that human enzymes are adapted to function within the physiological conditions of the human body. The average internal body temperature is approximately 37°C, which is the optimal temperature for most human enzymes.
Consider the pH environment. Most human enzymes perform best at a near-neutral pH, which is around pH 7. This is because the majority of biochemical processes occur in environments like the cytoplasm or blood, which are near-neutral in pH.
Eliminate the incorrect options based on the physiological conditions of the human body. Temperatures like 25°C or 0°C are too low for optimal enzyme activity, while 100°C is too high and would denature most enzymes. Similarly, highly acidic or highly basic pH values are not conducive to enzyme stability and function in human cells.
Conclude that the correct answer is: At a temperature of approximately 37°C and near-neutral pH, as these conditions align with the natural environment of human cells and support optimal enzyme activity.