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Multiple Choice
Which of the following enzyme-catalyzed reactions is most likely to produce a smell of ammonia (NH_3)?
A
Lipase hydrolyzing triglycerides
B
Amylase breaking down starch
C
Lactase cleaving lactose
D
Urease catalyzing the hydrolysis of urea
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the chemical reaction catalyzed by urease: Urease is an enzyme that specifically catalyzes the hydrolysis of urea (CO(NH₂)₂) into ammonia (NH₃) and carbon dioxide (CO₂). This reaction is significant because ammonia has a distinct smell.
Compare the reactions of the other enzymes: Lipase hydrolyzes triglycerides into glycerol and fatty acids, which do not produce ammonia. Amylase breaks down starch into maltose or glucose, which also does not involve ammonia. Lactase cleaves lactose into glucose and galactose, again without ammonia production.
Recognize the unique role of urease: Among the listed enzymes, only urease directly produces ammonia as a byproduct of its catalytic activity. This is due to the specific substrate (urea) it acts upon.
Relate the smell of ammonia to the reaction: Ammonia (NH₃) is a volatile compound with a strong, pungent odor. Its production during the urease-catalyzed reaction is the reason for the smell.
Conclude that urease is the correct answer: Based on the biochemical reactions and the production of ammonia, urease catalyzing the hydrolysis of urea is the most likely reaction to produce a smell of ammonia.