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(a) (i) What is meant by an enzyme's optimum pH? The optimum pH of an enzyme refers to the specific pH level at which the enzyme exhibits its maximum activity - Leaving Cert Biology - Question 9 - 2008
Question 9
(a) (i) What is meant by an enzyme's optimum pH? The optimum pH of an enzyme refers to the specific pH level at which the enzyme exhibits its maximum activity. At... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:(a) (i) What is meant by an enzyme's optimum pH? The optimum pH of an enzyme refers to the specific pH level at which the enzyme exhibits its maximum activity - Leaving Cert Biology - Question 9 - 2008
Step 1
What is meant by an enzyme's optimum pH?
Answer
The optimum pH of an enzyme refers to the specific pH level at which the enzyme exhibits its maximum activity. At this pH, the enzyme's active site is in the best conformation, facilitating the binding of substrate molecules and promoting catalytic activity. Deviations from this pH can lead to decreased enzyme activity due to changes in the enzyme's structure.
Step 2
What is a denatured enzyme?
Answer
A denatured enzyme is one whose three-dimensional structure has been altered, resulting in a loss of its biological activity. Denaturation can be caused by factors such as high temperatures or changes in pH, which disrupt the non-covalent interactions that maintain the enzyme's shape.
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
Describe how you carried out the investigation. In your answer you must refer to the way that you measured the enzyme's activity.
Answer
The investigation was carried out by preparing different samples of catalase and subjecting them to varying heat treatments. Each sample was heated for specific time intervals at different temperatures. To measure enzyme activity, we added a constant amount of hydrogen peroxide to each heated sample, and the rate of oxygen gas released was measured using a gas syringe. A control sample at room temperature was also included for comparison to assess the effects of heat on the enzyme activity.
Step 6
State the results that you obtained.
Answer
The results showed that as the temperature of the enzyme increased, the rate of oxygen production initially increased, indicating higher activity. However, after reaching a temperature of about 60°C, the enzyme activity sharply declined, demonstrating denaturation. The control sample showed consistent enzyme activity with high oxygen production rates.