Bacteria such as Thermus aquaticus live in hot springs where temperatures are around 90°C - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 19 - 2006 - Paper 1
Question 19
Bacteria such as Thermus aquaticus live in hot springs where temperatures are around 90°C. The most likely reason that the bacteria are able to carry out their metab... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Bacteria such as Thermus aquaticus live in hot springs where temperatures are around 90°C - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 19 - 2006 - Paper 1
Step 1
A. have enzymes with a high optimal temperature.
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Answer
Thermus aquaticus thrives in high-temperature environments like hot springs because it possesses enzymes that are specifically adapted to function optimally at elevated temperatures (around 90°C). These enzymes maintain their activity and stability at high temperatures, which is crucial for executing metabolic processes efficiently in such extreme conditions.
Step 2
B. can lower the temperature of the cellular environment.
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Answer
This option is incorrect because the bacteria do not have the ability to change the temperature of their surroundings. Instead, they have evolved to function optimally at high temperatures.
Step 3
C. use compounds other than enzymes to catalyse reactions.
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This is not accurate as enzymes are fundamental to the metabolic reactions in organisms. While some reactions may involve co-factors or co-enzymes, the primary catalytic activity is still carried out by enzymes.
Step 4
D. have enzymes other than proteins that do not respond to changes in temperature.
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This statement is misleading. While there are some non-protein catalysts, such as ribozymes, Thermus aquaticus relies on protein-based enzymes that are adapted to high temperatures, which can indeed be affected by environmental conditions.
