Question

In a graph showing the temperature optimum for a particular reaction, the slope is negative at the temperatures above the optimum because at that point,

A. the molecules participating in the reaction expended their energy in the earlier part of the graph.

B. the equilibrium constant for the reaction shifted to a value closer to zero.

C. the test tube in which the experiment was performed melted, and the reactants leaked out.

D. most of the reactants have been converted to product.

E. the enzymes catalyzing the reaction denatured and couldn’t increase the rate of the reaction.

Please help! This question confused me so much

Answer 1

The correct option will be : the enzymes catalyzing the reaction denatured and couldn’t increase the rate of the reaction (option e). In an optimal temperature an enzyme can work effectively so on that temperature the curve has the highest peak and after that the enzyme starts to denature with the increase in temerature and the curve shows a negative slope.

The equilibrium constant is independent of temperature and it is constant and thus it can't be shifted (option b is wrong). Option C is wrong because it is an experimental error which has no relation with temperature.Product formation from reactant or substrate is independent of temperature's negative slope (so option D is wrong). Particle can't expend their own energy as they get the energy from the surrounding and on the other hand the temperature is pretty high so option A can't be feasible. (Option A is wrong)