Why are the rates of consumption of glucose and formation of lactate at 50 °C the same irrespective of oxygen levels? A. Most of the enzymes involved in glycolysis have become denatured. B. Glucose is converted to ATP by a single chemical reaction. C. At 50 °C the cell uses heat as a source of energy. D. At 50 °C metabolic pathways are very efficient.

SSCE VCE Biology Cell Structure and Function: Why are the rates of consumption

Why are the rates of consumption of glucose and formation of lactate at 50 °C the same irrespective of oxygen levels? A - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 20 - 2023 - Paper 1

Question 20

Why are the rates of consumption of glucose and formation of lactate at 50 °C the same irrespective of oxygen levels? A. Most of the enzymes involved in glycolysis ... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:Why are the rates of consumption of glucose and formation of lactate at 50 °C the same irrespective of oxygen levels? A - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 20 - 2023 - Paper 1

Step 1

A. Most of the enzymes involved in glycolysis have become denatured.

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Answer

At 50 °C, many enzymes in glycolysis may become denatured due to the high temperature. Denaturation alters the enzyme's active site, impairing its ability to catalyze reactions effectively, which could lead to similar rates of glucose consumption and lactate formation despite oxygen levels.

Step 2

B. Glucose is converted to ATP by a single chemical reaction.

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This statement is oversimplified; glucose metabolism involves multiple steps including glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation under aerobic conditions. However, if the process remains at anaerobic glycolysis, the conversion of glucose to lactate is consistent, making oxygen levels less relevant at this temperature.

Step 3

C. At 50 °C the cell uses heat as a source of energy.

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The assertion that cells utilize heat as a source of energy is incorrect. Cells rely on biochemical processes for energy production, and while temperature can influence enzyme activity, it does not become an energy source.

Step 4

D. At 50 °C metabolic pathways are very efficient.

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Answer

Efficiency of metabolic pathways does not singularly explain the similarity in rates of glucose consumption and lactate formation. While temperature can enhance reaction rates to an extent, extreme heat may hinder efficiency due to enzyme denaturation and other stress-related factors.

Why are the rates of consumption of glucose and formation of lactate at 50 °C the same irrespective of oxygen levels? A - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 20 - 2023 - Paper 1

Worked Solution & Example Answer:Why are the rates of consumption of glucose and formation of lactate at 50 °C the same irrespective of oxygen levels? A - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 20 - 2023 - Paper 1

A. Most of the enzymes involved in glycolysis have become denatured.

B. Glucose is converted to ATP by a single chemical reaction.

C. At 50 °C the cell uses heat as a source of energy.

D. At 50 °C metabolic pathways are very efficient.

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