LSBIO12 Enzymes

Predict the result of a reaction if the specific enzyme is boiled before being added to its substrate

The reaction will not occur because the enzyme's 3D shape was denatured by high heat

Explain why a graph of enzyme activity peaks at a specific temperature and then drops sharply

This represents the optimum temperature where the enzyme functions best before denaturing

Analyze a scenario where a reaction speed increases after adding a specific protein and determine the protein's role

The protein is acting as a catalyst by lowering the activation energy of the reaction

Evaluate why an enzyme that works in the stomach (pH 2) stops functioning in the small intestine (pH 8)

The change in pH alters the enzyme's 3D shape making it unable to bind to its substrate

Determine why a small amount of enzyme can catalyze a reaction involving a large amount of substrate over time

Enzymes are reusable and are not consumed during the chemical reaction

Interpret a data set where a reaction fails after a slight change to the enzyme's active site

The lock and key model shows that the 3D shape must be specific to the substrate to function

Evaluate the impact of using 10 mL of substrate versus 100 mL in an enzyme experiment regarding data accuracy

More data points or larger volumes can improve the precision and ability to draw valid conclusions

Identify the independent variable in an experiment measuring oxygen production from yeast at five different temperatures

The independent variable is the varying environmental temperature

Predict what happens to the activation energy of a biochemical reaction when a catalyst is removed

The activation energy increases making the reaction proceed much slower or not at all

Contrast the behavior of an enzyme at 0°C versus 100°C based on molecular structure

At 0°C the enzyme is inactive but intact while at 100°C it is permanently denatured

Justify the use of a control group in an investigation of pH effects on catalase

A control group at a neutral pH provides a baseline to compare how other pH levels affect activity

Determine the likely cause if a chemical reaction involving an enzyme suddenly stops despite plenty of substrate remaining

The environmental conditions likely shifted outside the enzyme's functional range causing denaturation

Evaluate a claim that any enzyme can break down any substrate

The claim is false because enzymes have a specific 3D shape that only fits specific substrates

Propose a refinement for an experiment that had highly inconsistent results across three trials

The student should use more precise tools to collect data and ensure environmental factors are strictly controlled

Analyze a graph where the rate of reaction levels off despite adding more substrate

The reaction rate levels off because all available enzyme molecules are currently occupied

Explain the relationship between an enzyme's structure and its ability to lower activation energy

The specific 3D shape allows the enzyme to bind to substrates and stabilize the transition state

Critique an experimental design that tests both temperature and pH changes simultaneously

The design is flawed because you can only test one variable at a time to determine cause-and-effect

Predict the outcome of adding lactase to a solution of sucrose

No reaction will occur because the enzyme lactase is specific only to the substrate lactose

Identify the safety and ethical considerations when conducting an enzyme lab using biological tissues

One must consider the environmental impact of disposal and follow all lab safety protocols for handling biological materials

Explain how a researcher identifies the optimum pH for a new enzyme based on experimental data

The researcher looks for the pH level where the highest rate of reaction or product formation was recorded