Question

multiple choice question

labile means that a substance such as an enzyme is:

• chemically stable.
• chemically unstable.
• able to withstand changes in environmental conditions.

Explanation:

Define the term labile

The term "labile" refers to a substance that is chemically unstable, easily altered, or readily degraded under changing environmental conditions (such as temperature or pH changes).

Apply the definition to enzymes

When an enzyme is described as labile, it means it is chemically unstable and susceptible to denaturation or inactivation when exposed to suboptimal conditions.

Evaluate the given options

• "chemically stable": Incorrect, as this is the opposite of labile.
• "chemically unstable": Correct, as it directly matches the definition of labile.
• "able to withstand changes in environmental conditions": Incorrect, as labile substances are sensitive to, rather than resistant to, environmental changes.

Answer:

• chemically stable.
• chemically unstable. (Correct answer)
• able to withstand changes in environmental conditions.