Question

experiments were designed to study the effect of ph on the rate of enzyme action for 2 different enzymes found in animals, enzyme a and enzyme b. enzyme a is found in the stomach and digests meats. enzyme b is found in the intestine and digests fats. use the graph to answer the following questions.

1. at what ph is enzyme a working at its maximum rate?
2. since enzyme a is found in the stomach, what is the probable ph of the stomach?
3. at what phs does enzyme a not work?
4. at what ph is enzyme b working at its maximum rate?
5. since enzyme b is found in the intestine, what is the probable ph of the intestine?
6. if enzyme a were produced in the intestine, would this enzyme still carry out its usual function of digestions? explain.

Explanation:

Step1: Identify peak of Enzyme A

Observe the graph of Enzyme A. The maximum of the curve for Enzyme A occurs at pH = 2.

Step2: Infer stomach pH

Since Enzyme A is most active at pH = 2 and is found in the stomach, the probable pH of the stomach is 2.

Step3: Find non - working pHs of Enzyme A

Enzyme A has a relative rate of enzyme action of 0 at pH = 0 and pH above 4.

Step4: Identify peak of Enzyme B

Observe the graph of Enzyme B. The maximum of the curve for Enzyme B occurs at pH = 8.

Step5: Infer intestine pH

Since Enzyme B is most active at pH = 8 and is found in the intestine, the probable pH of the intestine is 8.

Step6: Analyze Enzyme A in intestine

Enzyme A has an optimal pH of 2. The intestine has a pH of around 8. Enzymes are pH - sensitive. So, Enzyme A would not carry out its usual function in the intestine as the pH is not optimal for its activity.

Answer:

1. pH = 2
2. pH = 2
3. pH = 0 and pH > 4
4. pH = 8
5. pH = 8
6. No. Enzyme A has an optimal pH of 2 and the intestine has a pH of around 8. Enzymes are pH - sensitive and will not function well outside their optimal pH range.