Question

mini-quiz: temperature and enzymes
based off of your observations of the enzyme shown, which of the following is true?
a. the denaturation of this enzyme by heat is reversible. in other words, lowering the temperature does fix the enzymes shape.
b. the denaturation of this enzyme by heat is irreversible. in other words, lowering the temperature does not fix the enzymes shape.
c. the denaturation of the enzyme does not affect the enzymes function.
d. the denaturation of the enzyme is necessary in order for the enzyme to work properly.
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Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Option A: Enzyme denaturation by heat (like high temp) is usually irreversible; lowering temp doesn't restore shape, so A is wrong.
• Option B: Heat - induced enzyme denaturation (breaking the specific 3D structure, including the active site) is irreversible. Lowering temperature can't fix the enzyme's shape (as the bonds broken during denaturation don't reform just by cooling), so B is correct.
• Option C: Denaturation changes the enzyme's active site shape, which affects its function (it can't bind to substrate properly), so C is wrong.
• Option D: Enzymes work best in their native (non - denatured) state; denaturation hinders their proper function, so D is wrong.

Answer:

B. The denaturation of this enzyme by heat is irreversible. In other words, lowering the temperature DOES NOT fix the enzyme's shape.