AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Enzyme structures unfold (denature) when heated or exposed to chemical denaturants and this disruption to the structure typically causes a loss of activity. Protein folding is key to whether a globular protein or a membrane protein can do its job correctly. It must be folded into the right shape to function.

Detailed explanation-2: -Factors affecting enzyme activity However, extreme high temperatures can cause an enzyme to lose its shape (denature) and stop working. pH: Each enzyme has an optimum pH range. Changing the pH outside of this range will slow enzyme activity. Extreme pH values can cause enzymes to denature.

Detailed explanation-3: -Answer and Explanation: Introducing heat and/or chemicals that alter the enzyme’s pH are the two main environmental factors that cause enzyme denaturation.

Detailed explanation-4: -When an enzyme is denatured, these bonds holding the enzyme together are disrupted, leading to a loss of structure. Depending on the degree of denaturation, only the active site of the enzyme might be affected, reducing the ability for the enzyme to effectively bind to its substrate.

Detailed explanation-5: -Protein denaturation due to pH The ionizable groups in amino acids are able to become ionized when changes in pH occur. A pH change to more acidic or more basic conditions can induce unfolding. Acid-induced unfolding often occurs between pH 2 and 5, base-induced unfolding usually requires pH 10 or higher.