Question

A solution of an enzyme normally found in the human body was added to a flask containing a solution of proteins in distilled water, and then the flask was stoppered. This mixture was then maintained at a temperature of 27 degrees Celsius and a pH of 7 for 48 hours. When the mixture was analyzed, the presence of amino acids was noted. One way to speed up the production of amino acids in the flask would be to

1. increase the temperature from 27 degrees Celsius to 37 degrees Celsius
2. increase the pH from 7 to 12
3. place the flask in bright light
decrease the amount of enzyme added

Answer 1

Answer;

increase the temperature from 27 degrees celsius to 37 degrees celsius

Explanation;

• The rate of an enzyme-catalyzed reaction increases as the temperature is raised.
• The human body is maintained at 37°C as this is the temperature at which the enzymes in our body work best. Therefore increasing the temperature from 27 degrees Celsius to 37 degrees Celsius increases enzyme activity and in turn increases the production of amino acid in the flask.
• Higher temperatures than 37° C which is the optimum temperature, disrupt the shape of the active site, which will reduce enyzme activity, or prevent it from working, in other words the enzyme will have been denatured.