Question
Most enzymes are proteins. Many cells make and use an enzyme called catalase to facilitate the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The products of the decomposition are hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2). Stephanie is investigating the structure and function of catalase, and she is comparing catalase to other proteins.
Stephanie increases the pH of catalase beyond its normal range. She observes a decrease in the rate of decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. What is the most likely explanation for this result?
A. a change in the chemical properties of the reactants
B. a change in the chemical properties of the products
C. a change in the shape of the catalase molecule
D. a change in the amino acid sequence of the catalase molecule
Stephanie increases the pH of catalase beyond its normal range. She observes a decrease in the rate of decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. What is the most likely explanation for this result?
A. a change in the chemical properties of the reactants
B. a change in the chemical properties of the products
C. a change in the shape of the catalase molecule
D. a change in the amino acid sequence of the catalase molecule
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The most likely explanation for the decrease in the rate of decomposition of hydrogen peroxide when Stephanie increases the pH of catalase beyond its normal range is:
**C. a change in the shape of the catalase molecule.**
When enzymes like catalase are exposed to pH levels that are outside their optimal range, it can lead to denaturation or alterations in the protein's three-dimensional structure. This change in shape can disrupt the active site of the enzyme, where the substrate (hydrogen peroxide, in this case) binds, resulting in decreased enzyme activity and a reduced rate of reaction.
**C. a change in the shape of the catalase molecule.**
When enzymes like catalase are exposed to pH levels that are outside their optimal range, it can lead to denaturation or alterations in the protein's three-dimensional structure. This change in shape can disrupt the active site of the enzyme, where the substrate (hydrogen peroxide, in this case) binds, resulting in decreased enzyme activity and a reduced rate of reaction.