Question

People who have Alzheimer's disease experience an increasing loss of brain function and cognition over time. Alzheimer's is characterized by a buildup of abnormal protein fragments that damage brain cells. Recently scientists have discovered an enzyme, BACE2, that decreases these abnormal protein fragments in the brain of a person with Alzheimer's disease. Which statement explains how BACE2 most likely works?

BACE2 speeds up the reaction that breaks down the abnormal protein fragments.


BACE2 is a reactant that combines with the abnormal protein fragments.


BACE2 breaks down into smaller pieces that react with the abnormal protein fragments, forming more complex molecules.


BACE2 molecules link several abnormal protein fragments together, forming a complete protein.

Answer 1

BACE2 speeds up the reaction that breaks down the abnormal protein fragments.

Step-by-step explanation:

BACE2 accelerates the reaction that breaks the fragments of abnormal proteins that cause Alzheimer's disease. With that, this enzyme is able to quickly cut these proteins, called beta-amyloid, into pieces so tiny that it takes the entire molecule to complete destruction. This is very innovative for the treatment of alzheimer's, although much research needs to be done to improve this process and not cause side effects.