Question

Some bacteria are metabolically active in hot springs because ________.

A) their enzymes have high optimal temperatures
B) they are able to maintain a lower internal temperature
C) they use molecules other than proteins or RNAs as their main catalysts D) high temperatures make catalysis unnecessary
E) their enzymes are completely insensitive to temperature

Answer 1

Bacteria in hot springs are metabolically active due to their enzymes' high optimal temperatures.

Step-by-step explanation:

Some bacteria are metabolically active in hot springs because their enzymes have high optimal temperatures. Enzymes are proteins that catalyze (speed up) chemical reactions, and each enzyme has an optimal temperature at which it functions best. In hot springs, the temperature is high, so bacteria that can survive and thrive there have enzymes that are adapted to the high temperatures.

These enzymes are able to maintain their structure and function at the elevated temperatures and continue to catalyze metabolic processes in the bacteria. The metabolic enzymes of these bacteria, such as glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and alcohol dehydrogenase, are designed to operate efficiently at high temperatures, ensuring the survival and functionality of these organisms in extreme environments.