A student investigates catalase using filter paper disks soaked in liver extract dropped into 3% H2O2 at 5, 20, 35, 50, and 65 degrees Celsius. Reaction rate (1/rise time, in s^-1) is calculated from triplicate trials. The graph below summarizes the results.
Which conclusion is best supported by the data?
- Acheck_circle
Catalase activity peaks near 35 C and declines at higher temperatures due to denaturation
- B
Temperature has no measurable effect on catalase activity
- C
Catalase is most active at 65 C
- D
Catalase activity increases linearly with temperature across the entire range
Explanation
The rate rises from 5 to 35 C, peaks near body temperature, then falls at 50 and 65 C. The decline at high temperature is consistent with denaturation of the enzyme's active site, which destroys catalytic function.