AP BIOLOGY

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ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY

DIGESTION IN HUMANS

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
The ability of an enzyme to function properly depends on its environment. Unlike most enzymes in the human body, you would expect enzymes produced by the stomach to function best in an environment where
A
the temperature is above normal body temperature.
B
the acidity is very high.
C
there are many other enzymes.
D
the salt concentration is very high.
Explanation: 

Detailed explanation-1: -Enzyme activity can be affected by a variety of factors, such as temperature, pH, and concentration. Enzymes work best within specific temperature and pH ranges, and sub-optimal conditions can cause an enzyme to lose its ability to bind to a substrate.

Detailed explanation-2: -Some enzymes work best at acidic pHs, while others work best in neutral environments. Digestive enzymes secreted in the acidic environment (low pH) of the stomach help break down proteins into smaller molecules. The main digestive enzyme in the stomach is pepsin, which works best at a pH of about 1.5.

Detailed explanation-3: -Enzymes work by lowering the activation energy needed to start biochemical reactions. The activities of enzymes depend on the temperature and the pH of the surroundings.

Detailed explanation-4: -The shape of the active site is affected by pH. This is why enzymes will only work at a specific pH, as well as a specific temperature. Change the pH and the enzyme stops working. Increasing the temperature to 60°C will cause a permanent change to the shape of the active site.

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