Enzymes are commonly not effective in acidic conditions because acids
A - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 12 - 2022 - Paper 1
Question 12
Enzymes are commonly not effective in acidic conditions because acids
A. change the charges on the enzymes.
B. react with the enzymes to form zwitterions.
C. esterif... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Enzymes are commonly not effective in acidic conditions because acids
A - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 12 - 2022 - Paper 1
Step 1
A. change the charges on the enzymes.
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Answer
While acidic conditions can modify the charges on enzymes, this is not the primary reason for the loss of activity.
Step 2
B. react with the enzymes to form zwitterions.
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Answer
Zwitterions are not a significant factor in enzyme activity under acidic conditions.
Step 3
C. esterify the enzymes into smaller molecules.
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Answer
Esterification does not typically occur as a direct result of acidic conditions affecting enzyme function.
Step 4
D. react with the carboxyl groups on the enzymes’ amino acid residues.
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Answer
In acidic conditions, the protons from the acid can react with the carboxyl groups in the enzyme's amino acid residues. This reaction alters the enzyme's active site, leading to loss of the enzyme's activity, which is the primary reason why enzymes are typically ineffective under acidic conditions.
