Question

enzyme investigation
an enzyme was isolated from digestive juices taken from the small intestine. an experiment was set up to test the ability of the enzyme to break down protein. two test tubes, labeled a and b, were placed in a hot water bath at 37°c, human body temperature.
test tube a contained only protein and test tube b contained protein and the enzyme. the chart below shows the set - up.
after two hours, the contents of both test tubes were analyzed. test tube a showed only the presence of protein. test tube b showed the presence of the end products of protein digestion, indicating the enzyme had successfully broken down the protein.
refer to figure 8 and answer the following question:
state what the result would be if the same enzyme that was added to test tube b was added to a test tube containing starch. support your answer.
answer

Explanation:

Enzymes are specific in their action. The enzyme in the experiment was isolated from digestive juices for protein breakdown. Starch is a different substrate. Enzymes have an active - site that is complementary to a specific substrate (lock - and - key model). Since the enzyme is for protein digestion, it will not bind to starch.

Answer:

The enzyme would not break down the starch. Enzymes are specific; this enzyme is for protein digestion (as seen in the experiment where it broke down protein but not in tube A with just protein). Starch is a different substrate, and the enzyme's active - site is not complementary to starch (based on the lock - and - key model of enzyme - substrate interaction).