Question

what is likely to happen to a cells enzymes if the cell is caused go outside its homeostatic conditions due to an extreme ph or temperature?
a. the concentration of the enzyme will decrease.
b. the substrate of the enzyme will be changed.
c. the activation energy will be lowered.
d. the enzyme will be denatured.

Explanation:

Enzymes are proteins. Extreme pH or temperature disrupts the weak bonds (like hydrogen bonds) that maintain the enzyme's 3 - D structure. When the structure is disrupted, the enzyme loses its function, a process called denaturation.

• Option A: Concentration of the enzyme is related to synthesis and degradation rates, not directly to extreme pH/temperature.
• Option B: The substrate is a reactant molecule; extreme pH/temperature doesn't change the substrate itself.
• Option C: Enzymes lower activation energy, but extreme pH/temperature doesn't lower it further (rather, it makes the enzyme non - functional).
• Option D: Denaturation is the correct outcome for enzymes under extreme pH or temperature.

Answer:

D. The enzyme will be denatured.