Question

pancreatic lipase is an enzyme that breaks down lipids. its optimal ph is slightly acidic, and the optimal temperature for it is 37 degrees celsius. a scientist puts lipid reactants and this enzyme in a neutral solution at 45 degrees celsius. which action would speed up the reaction?
a. adding additional lipids
b. increasing the temperature to 47 degrees
c. changing the ph to 6
d. making the ph very basic

Explanation:

Enzymes have optimal pH and temperature conditions. The enzyme in question has an optimal pH that is slightly acidic. A pH of 6 is slightly acidic. Adding more lipids (A) when the enzyme is already present doesn't speed up the reaction if the enzyme - substrate complex is already affected by non - optimal conditions. Increasing temperature further (B) when it's already above the optimal (37°C) will denature the enzyme more. Making the pH very basic (D) is worse as the optimal is slightly acidic.

Answer:

C. changing the pH to 6