Question

You decide to reproduce Reaction #2 in three test tubes. (Reaction #2, Enzyme E2 catalyzes an energy-requiring reaction that uses Compounds C and D as substrates to produce Compound E). You may assume that this biological reaction occurs at 37 degree celcius and a pH of 7.4 under normal conditions.

-Test tube #1: You perform the reaction at 70 degrees celcius and a pH of 7.4 and observe that no Compound E is produced. When the temperature is brought to 37 degrees C, Compound E is produced at a rate similar to normal condition.

-Test tube #2: You perform the reaction at 37 degrees C and a pH of 10.4 and observe that no Compound E is produced. When the pH is brought to 7.4, Compound E is produced at a rate similar to normal condition.

-Test tube #3: You perform the reaction at 37 degrees C and a pH of 7.4 in the presence of proteases and observe that no Compound E is produced. The effect of protease treatment persists even after its removal from reaction mixture.

Explain the effect of the changed reaction parameters in each of the above test tubes on structure and function of Enzyme E2.

Answer 1

Ans. For the proper functioning of proteins optimum conditions are required.

In test tube 1 :-

The temperature here taken is 70^oC, and the pH is remained unchanged. Here the optimum temperature for the production of Product E is 37^oC. Above the optimum temperature, the enzyme gets denatured and stops functioning.

In test tube 2 :-

The pH here taken is 10.4, and the temperature is remained unchanged. Here the optimum pH for the production of Product E is 7.4. Above that pH, the enzyme gets denatured and becomes inactive.

In test tube 3 :-

The temperature and pH are remain unchanged, but proteases are added. Proteases are compounds that breakdowns protein structure, and enzymes are a type of proteins too. So instead of having optimum temperature and pH, the Product E is not produced because the proteases breakdown the enzymes and halts its funtioning.