How will each of the following changes affect the rate of an enayme-catalyzed – [Free] B104
How will each of the following changes affect the rate of an enayme-catalyzed reaction whose optimum pH is 7.4 ? Select the single best answer for each part. Part 1 of 2 Decreasing the temperature from 42°C to 37°C rate will increste rate will be unaffected rete will decrease Part 2 of 2 Decreasing the pH from 7.4 to 5 rate will decrease rate will be unaffected rate will increase
Question:
How will each of the following changes affect the rate of an enzyme-catalyzed reaction whose optimum pH is 7.4?
Part 1 of 2:
Decreasing the temperature from 42°C to 37°C
Part 2 of 2:
Decreasing the pH from 7.4 to 5
Answer:
🧪 Part 1: Temperature Change
- The enzyme’s optimal temperature is assumed to be 37°C, which is typical for human enzymes.
- If the reaction was initially at 42°C, it was above the optimal temperature.
- At higher temperatures, enzymes may begin to denature or function less efficiently.
- Bringing the temperature down from 42°C to 37°C aligns it with the enzyme’s optimal conditions.
✅ Conclusion: The rate will increase
🧪 Part 2: pH Change
- The enzyme functions best at pH 7.4.
- Lowering the pH to 5 moves it away from its optimal range.
- This leads to protonation of key amino acid residues in the enzyme’s active site.
- Such structural changes can alter enzyme conformation and reduce binding affinity or catalytic activity.
❌ Conclusion: The rate will decrease
📌 Final Summary
- Decreasing temperature from 42°C to 37°C: Rate will increase
- Decreasing pH from 7.4 to 5: Rate will decrease
This behavior reflects the sensitivity of enzyme-catalyzed reactions to changes in both temperature and pH around their optimal conditions.