Figure 7 shows the activity of the enzymes pepsin and trypsin at different pH levels - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 5 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 5
Figure 7 shows the activity of the enzymes pepsin and trypsin at different pH levels.
(i) Describe the trend in the graph for the enzyme trypsin.
Use data from the ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Figure 7 shows the activity of the enzymes pepsin and trypsin at different pH levels - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 5 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
Describe the trend in the graph for the enzyme trypsin.
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Answer
The graph indicates that the enzyme trypsin has increased activity as the pH rises from 1 to around 8, where it reaches its peak. Beyond pH 8, the activity starts to decline. At a neutral pH (7), the activity is still considerably high, but optimal activity is noted at approximately pH 8.
Step 2
State the optimum pH for the enzyme pepsin.
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Answer
The optimum pH for the enzyme pepsin is approximately pH 2.
Step 3
Describe the conditions in the stomach that allow pepsin to work effectively.
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Answer
In the stomach, the environment is highly acidic due to the presence of gastric acid, which helps maintain a low pH. This acidic environment is ideal for pepsin as it is designed to function optimally at this low pH, facilitating the breakdown of proteins.
Step 4
When the active site of the enzyme changes shape, the enzyme is
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B denatured.
Step 5
State what is produced when proteins are digested.
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When proteins are digested, they are broken down into amino acids.
