Enzymes

What type of biomolecules are enzymes?

• Protein
• Nucleic Acid
• Carbohydrate
• Lipid

In order to function efficiently, enzymes need to be at an ideal pH and temperature conditions. If the pH or temperature is extreme for a particular enzyme, it can even denature an enzyme, which can prevent it from binding and acting on its substrate. ATP is produced by cellular respiration in your human body cells. There are a variety of enzymes that work to produce ATP, but one of those enzymes is called phosphofructokinase-1. This enzyme is sensitive to blood acidity. Blood can become more acidic if a patient is not breathing correctly. What is the variable that affects the enzyme activity here?

• Temperature
• pH
• Not enough information

In order to function efficiently, enzymes need to be at an ideal pH and temperature conditions. If the pH or temperature is extreme for a particular enzyme, it can even denature an enzyme, which can prevent it from binding and acting on its substrate. A popular lab that can be performed by students is to test the reaction rate of catalase enzyme when it acts on the substrate hydrogen peroxide. Catalase has the ability to break down hydrogen peroxide. Catalase can be found in beef liver from the grocery store! However, if the beef liver is boiled first, the catalase will not be able to break down hydrogen peroxide. What is the variable that is affecting enzyme function here?

• Temperature
• pH
• Not enough information

Describe what is happening in this gif

Lactase is an enzyme that breaks down a sugar found in dairy products known as lactose. Some people are lactose intolerant, and this can be due to not having enough lactase production. People who are lactose intolerant may not feel well after eating foods containing lactose. Describe the relationship between the lactose and lactase in this scenario.