A human enzyme's activity was assayed at temperatures from 0 to 60 C with substrate in excess.
What best explains the steep decline in activity above the optimum temperature?
- A
Hydrogen bonds to substrate become permanent
- Bcheck_circle
The enzyme denatures, losing the tertiary structure required for catalysis
- C
Substrate concentration decreases as temperature rises
- D
The enzyme is consumed in the reaction at higher temperatures
Explanation
Above the optimum, increased kinetic energy disrupts the weak interactions (H-bonds, hydrophobic) that maintain the enzyme's 3D shape. Denaturation eliminates the active site.