Salivary amylase is an enzyme produced by the salivary glands that breaks down carbohydrates. What will happen to this enzyme as it moves with the food into the stomach where the pH drops to 2.5?
The enzyme will denature and become inactive.
The enzyme will continue to function as it remains unchanged in chemical reactions.
The enzyme will assume an alternate form and catalyze additional reactions.
The enzyme will denature but retain its function.
The Correct Answer is A
A. The enzyme will denature and become inactive: Salivary amylase works best at a neutral to slightly basic pH, such as in the mouth. Once it reaches the stomach, the highly acidic environment disrupts its three-dimensional structure, causing denaturation and loss of activity
B. The enzyme will continue to function as it remains unchanged in chemical reactions: While enzymes are not consumed in reactions, their activity depends on pH and temperature. At a gastric pH of 2.5, salivary amylase cannot maintain its shape, so it stops functioning.
C. The enzyme will assume an alternate form and catalyze additional reactions: Enzymes are highly specific to their structure and active site. Once denatured, they do not take on new functional forms or catalyze new reactions.
D. The enzyme will denature but retain its function: Denaturation disrupts the enzyme’s active site, preventing substrate binding. If the enzyme denatures, it loses its catalytic ability entirely and cannot retain its original function.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Each enzyme is chemically specific: Enzymes act only on particular substrates due to the unique shape of their active sites. This chemical specificity ensures that metabolic reactions occur in a controlled and precise manner.
B. Some enzymes make up part of the plasma membrane: Enzymes can be embedded in the plasma membrane, where they catalyze reactions such as breaking down extracellular substances or facilitating signal transduction.
C. Some enzymes are protein plus a cofactor: Many enzymes require non-protein helpers, such as metal ions or vitamins, to function effectively. In such cases, the enzyme is described as a holoenzyme, consisting of the protein part (apoenzyme) plus a cofactor.
D. Enzymes work by raising the activation energy: Enzymes actually lower the activation energy needed for reactions, making biochemical processes proceed more efficiently.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Sodium bicarbonate: Sodium bicarbonate has the chemical formula NaHCO₃, which is different from H₂CO₃. It acts as a base in buffering systems.
B. Glucose: Glucose is a carbohydrate with the formula C₆H₁₂O₆, and it does not contain the acidic hydrogen atoms found in H₂CO₃.
C. Sulfuric acid: Sulfuric acid has the chemical formula H₂SO₄. It contains sulfur and is a strong acid, unlike H₂CO₃.
D. Carbonic acid: H₂CO₃ is carbonic acid, formed when carbon dioxide dissolves in water. It plays an important role in maintaining blood pH and the bicarbonate buffering system.
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