Question

The pH of a solution determines the charge of certain R groups. The pH of pineapple fruit ranges from 3.5 to 5.2. Predict the effect on the activity of bromelain if it is used in a product with a pH of 11. Provide reasoning for the prediction

Answer 1

Bromelain's activity will decrease in a product with a pH of 11 due to the high basicity leading to the enzyme's denaturation and loss of function.

Step-by-step explanation:

The pH of a solution can significantly affect the activity of enzymes like bromelain. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14 and describes the acidity or basicity of a solution. Solutions with a pH less than 7 are acidic, while those with a pH greater than 7 are basic. Bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapples, operates optimally within the pH range of 3.5 to 5.2, which is acidic. If bromelain is used in a product with a pH of 11, which is highly basic, the enzyme's activity will likely decrease. This is because at a high pH, one or more key amino acid side chains in the enzyme's active site may change their charge, leading to a loss of the enzyme's proper structure and function. Consequently, this causes the enzyme to undergo denaturation, which impairs its catalytic activity.

Answer 2

Such change in pH will ultimately change its function.

Step-by-step explanation:

Hello,

In this case, it is widely known that slight or noticeable changes in pH will affect the present interactions among amino acids in the bromelain (protein-digesting enzyme compound derived from pineapple's stem, fruit, and juice), which are able to change the way it folds and therefore its shape and its function since it will start catalyzing different process due to the different pH.

Best regards.