Final answer:
The correct statement about enzyme-substrate encounter probability is that a higher temperature typically increases the likelihood of encounters between enzyme and substrate, as long as the temperature is within the enzyme's optimal range.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct statement regarding enzyme-substrate encounter probability is that higher temperature increases encounter probability. To elaborate:
- Higher temperature increases the kinetic energy of molecules, resulting in more frequent collisions between enzymes and substrates, thus increasing the probability of encounters until an optimal temperature is reached.
- Larger substrate size can potentially decrease encounter probability because it may make it more difficult for the substrate to fit into the enzyme's active site.
- Higher enzyme concentration generally increases the likelihood that a substrate will encounter an enzyme, thus increasing the reaction rate, provided there is sufficient substrate present.
- The effect of pH on enzyme activity is highly dependent on the specific enzyme and its optimal pH range. Therefore, a higher pH does not universally increase encounter probability; it depends on whether the higher pH aligns with the enzyme’s optimal working conditions.
Thus, the correct option regarding enzyme-substrate encounter probability is 'a) Higher temperature increases encounter probability' assuming the temperature is within the enzyme's optimal working range.