Answer:
1) The best pH for the enzyme is approximately 7.5.
2) High and low pH values can cause enzymes to denature.
Step-by-step explanation:
1) The highest part of the hump on the graph represents the optimal reaction rate for the enzyme. This optimal reaction rate occurs in an optimal pH environment. This value falls between the 6 and 8 pH values, appearing to be approximately 7.5.
2) High and low pH values means that the environment is either too acidic or too basic for the enzyme, and the solution contains a lot of charged particles. The structure of an enzyme is inherently related to its function. These charged particles (H+, OH-, etc) interfere with the folding structure of an enzyme. The amino acids present in an enzyme have specific interactions that are dependent on each R-group's charge. Therefore, a pH that is too high or low will cause the enzyme to denature because the amino acid groups interact differently and the entire structure will be changed.