AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Most other enzymes function within a working pH range of about pH 5-9 with neutral pH 7 being the optimum.

Detailed explanation-2: -In general, an enzyme has an optimum pH. Although most enzymes remain high activity in the pH range between 6 and 8, some specific enzymes work well only in extremely acidic (i.e. pH <5.0) or alkaline (i.e. pH >9.0) conditions.

Detailed explanation-3: -For instance, the term optimum pH refers to the pH resulting in maximal activity of a particular enzyme. Differing pH levels affect the shape of an enzyme. Each enzyme has an optimal pH at which the enzyme works best. Enzymes in the intestine for instance work best at pH of 7.5 (therefore, the optimum pH).

Detailed explanation-4: -Each enzyme works within quite a small pH range. There is a pH at which its activity is greatest (the optimal pH). This is because changes in pH can make and break intra-and intermolecular bonds, changing the shape of the enzyme and, therefore, its effectiveness.

Detailed explanation-5: -The pH optimum of an enzyme may be very different from the normal plasma or intracellular average pH of 7.35-7.45; some enzymes have pH optima as low as 2-3, or as high as 9-10, and therefore little or no activity around pH 7.