Question

Enzymes are proteins that have a specific configuration that enable them to bind to unique substrates to produce a product. Adding salt can introduce ions that change the amount of water bound to the enzyme and can result in a change in shape or the enzyme being denatured. What would be the most immediate impact of adding salt?

Option 1: A) Increase in the product produced
Option 2: B) Increase in the size of the enzyme active site
Option 3: C) Decrease the reaction rate
Option 4: D) Decrease the activation energy required

Answer 1

Adding salt to an enzyme can introduce ions that alter its shape or cause denaturation, leading to a most immediate impact of decreasing the reaction rate. correct answer is option 3.

Step-by-step explanation:

Enzymes are macromolecules—most often proteins—that catalyst chemical reactions in living organisms by lowering the activation energy barriers. They are highly specific, only acting upon certain substrates due to the unique shape of their active sites. The active site's configuration is crucial for the enzyme's function.

When salt is added to an enzyme environment, it can introduce ions that alter the amount of water bound to the enzyme. This can lead to a change in the enzyme's shape, including its active site, or in extreme cases, to denaturation of the enzyme itself. Such alterations can impair an enzyme's ability to catalyze reactions effectively.

Given this information, the most immediate impact of adding salt would be a decrease the reaction rate (Option 3: C). This is because the induction of salt can disrupt the enzyme's optimal conditions, thus impacting its ability to bind substrates and catalyze reactions successfully.