Question

A sick person often has a fever, which can inhibit the growth of bacteria because?

1) bacteria reproduce more rapidly at higher body temperature.
2) enzymes do not function as well at temperatures other than the optimal temperature.
3) the higher temperature increases the activity of lyases.
4) sweating removes prosthetic groups from biological enzymes.
5) fever blocks synthesis of proteins in the bacterial nucleus.

Answer 1

A fever inhibits bacterial growth by exceeding the optimal temperature range for bacterial enzymes, which decreases their activity and hampers bacterial metabolism and reproduction. The correct option is 2) enzymes do not function as well at temperatures other than the optimal temperature.

Step-by-step explanation:

A sick person often has a fever, which can inhibit the growth of bacteria because enzymes do not function as well at temperatures other than their optimal temperature. Most enzymes in the human body have an optimum temperature range between 37°C and 40°C, and beyond this range, enzymes become less active. This decrease in enzyme activity applies not only to enzymes within the human body but also affects the enzymes within the pathogens, thus inhibiting their growth and reproduction.

The fever increases the body's temperature, which can alter the physiological conditions of pathogens, potentially leading to their destruction. A fever also triggers immune responses that help to combat the infection. The correct option is 2) enzymes do not function as well at temperatures other than the optimal temperature.