A group of students conducts research on enzyme activity and collects the data shown in the graphs. Which statement is supported by the evidence in the graphs? a The enzyme functions well at a temperature of 35°C and would be active at any pH value. b The enzyme's activity is greatest at pH 7 and would not be affected by a change in temperature. c The enzyme works best in a pH range of 6 to 8 and at a temperature of approximately 37° C. d The enzyme is very active at approximately 42°C and within a pH range of 2 to 6.

1 answer

To evaluate the statements based on the provided data on enzyme activity from the graphs, we need to analyze the following key aspects:

  1. Optimal Temperature: Determine the temperature at which the enzyme activity is highest.
  2. Optimal pH: Identify the pH range where the enzyme exhibits maximum activity.

Given the options, the correct choice should reflect the optimal conditions for enzyme activity as shown in the data. Let's analyze each option:

a) "The enzyme functions well at a temperature of 35°C and would be active at any pH value."

  • This would only be true if the data indicated that the enzyme is indeed active at a wide range of pH values, which is unlikely since most enzymes have specific pH ranges.

b) "The enzyme's activity is greatest at pH 7 and would not be affected by a change in temperature."

  • This would be true if the graph indeed showed peak activity at pH 7 and indicated temperature independence, which is often not the case.

c) "The enzyme works best in a pH range of 6 to 8 and at a temperature of approximately 37°C."

  • This statement reflects a specific range, indicating both a pH range and a specific temperature, which is commonly observed for many enzymes (the human body temperature is approximately 37°C).

d) "The enzyme is very active at approximately 42°C and within a pH range of 2 to 6."

  • High temperature (42°C) can lead to denaturation for many enzymes, and very few operate optimally in such an acidic pH range.

Without the specific data from the graphs, the most likely supported statement, based on common enzyme behavior, would be:

c) The enzyme works best in a pH range of 6 to 8 and at a temperature of approximately 37°C.

This option reflects optimal enzyme conditions often encountered in biological contexts.