Question

some bacteria live in hot
their cells contain enzymes that function best at temperatures of 70°c or higher. at the
temperature of 50°c, how will the enzymes in these bacterial cells most likely be affected?
a the enzymes will require less energy to function
at 70°c.
b the enzymes will not increase the rate of reactions as
much as they would at 70°c.
c the enzymes will be destroyed by lysosomes.
d the enzymes will fall apart.

Explanation:

Enzymes are proteins. High temperatures (like 70°C) can denature proteins. Denaturation causes the enzyme's structure (which is crucial for its function) to change. When an enzyme's structure is destroyed (denatured), it "falls apart" in terms of its functional 3 - D shape. Lysosomes are cell organelles that contain digestive enzymes (not relevant here). Enzymes lower the activation energy (they don't require less energy to function in the sense of the option A). And if the enzyme is denatured at 70°C, it can't increase the reaction rate as effectively as it would at its optimal temperature (so option B is wrong).

Answer:

D. The enzymes will fall apart.