pH and Enzymes

Front

What is pH?

Back

pH is a measure of how acidic or basic a solution is, on a scale of 0 to 14, where 7 is neutral.

Front

What is the pH of lemon juice?

Back

Lemon juice typically has a pH of around 2, making it acidic.

Front

What is a strong acid?

Back

A strong acid is one that completely dissociates in water, releasing all of its hydrogen ions (H+). Examples include hydrochloric acid (HCl).

Front

What is a strong base?

Back

A strong base is one that completely dissociates in water, releasing hydroxide ions (OH-). Examples include sodium hydroxide (NaOH).

Front

What happens to enzymes at high temperatures?

Back

Enzymes can denature at high temperatures, losing their shape and functionality, which prevents them from catalyzing reactions.

Front

What is denaturation?

Back

Denaturation is the process where proteins lose their structure due to external stress, such as heat or pH changes, affecting their function.

Front

What is the optimal pH for most enzymes?

Back

Most enzymes have an optimal pH around 7, but some may function best in more acidic or basic environments.

Front

What is the effect of cooling on enzyme activity?

Back

Cooling slows down enzyme activity, as molecular movement decreases, leading to fewer collisions between enzymes and substrates.

Front

What is a neutral substance?

Back

A neutral substance has a pH of 7, meaning it is neither acidic nor basic. Water is the most common example.

Front

What happens when a strong acid and a strong base are mixed?

Back

When a strong acid and a strong base are mixed, they neutralize each other, resulting in a pH-neutral solution.