Question

1. enzymes work best at optimal temperature and ph values. for example, the enzyme, pepsin, in your stomach must be able to function in a highly acidic environment to break peptide bonds found in proteins. acidic or basic conditions can disrupt the hydrogen bonds between the loops of the protein chains. if this disruption occurs near the active site, the enzyme can become distorted and not fit the substrate perfectly. the rate of reaction is reduced as more enzymes become denatured. a) what is the optimal ph for pepsin? 3 for lipase? 7 b) do you think lipase is an enzyme that is found in the stomach? why or why not?

Explanation:

The stomach has a highly acidic environment with a pH around 1 - 3. Pepsin has an optimal pH in this acidic range. Lipase has an optimal pH around 7 which is close to neutral. Since the stomach is acidic, lipase is not likely to be found there as it would not function optimally in such an acidic environment.

Answer:

a) Pepsin: 3, Lipase: 7
b) No. The stomach has a highly acidic environment (pH around 1 - 3) while lipase has an optimal pH of around 7 (close to neutral) and would not function well in the stomach's acidic conditions.