Examine the following graphs - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 16 - 2011 - Paper 1
Question 16
Examine the following graphs.
From these graphs it is reasonable to infer that at a pH of 4
A. trypsin would be inactive.
B. all the pepsin would be denatured.
C. a... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Examine the following graphs - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 16 - 2011 - Paper 1
Step 1
trypsin would be inactive.
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Answer
At a pH of 4, the trypsin enzyme is not in its optimal range, which is typically around pH 8. Therefore, it would be reasonable to conclude that trypsin would indeed be inactive under these conditions.
Step 2
all the pepsin would be denatured.
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Answer
Pepsin is most active at a low pH (around pH 1.5 to 2), so it is unlikely that all pepsin would be denatured at a pH of 4. The enzyme may lose some activity but not be entirely denatured.
Step 3
all three enzymes would lack a functional active site.
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Answer
While changes in pH can affect enzyme activity, it is not accurate to say that all three enzymes would lack a functional active site at pH 4, as some may still retain partial activity.
Step 4
lysozyme has the highest activity of the three enzymes.
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Answer
Based on the provided graphs, lysozyme appears to have the highest enzymatic activity at a pH of 4, confirming that it is more active than both pepsin and trypsin at this pH level.
