Final answer:
An enzyme that is accustomed to a pH of 10 will not work properly in a pH of 2 because enzymes have an optimum pH where their structure is suitable for activity, and a drastic change in pH can denature the protein, leading to a loss of function.
Step-by-step explanation:
An enzyme that is used to a pH of 10 would not work properly in a pH of 2. Enzymes have an optimum pH at which they function most effectively. This is because enzymes are proteins that depend on their three-dimensional structure to bind to substrates and catalyze chemical reactions. A change in pH can alter the enzyme's shape due to the disruption of hydrogen bonds and ionic interactions, which can significantly reduce its activity or even cause it to become denatured and inactive.
If an enzyme typically operates at a high pH, such as 10, and is placed in a highly acidic environment with a pH of 2, the change in hydrogen ion concentration would likely cause the enzyme to denature, resulting in a loss of function. Each enzyme is optimized for the pH at which it usually functions; for instance, pepsin works best at the acidic pH of 2 in the stomach, while trypsin functions optimally at a more neutral pH of 8 in the intestine.
Therefore, an enzyme adapted to a pH of 10 would not only be less effective at a pH of 2, but it could also be permanently denatured, meaning that it cannot regain its functional shape even if returned to its optimum pH.