Question

Why is having a high fever so dangerous in terms of how cells function?

A) Phospholipids begin breaking apart into phosphate and lipid groups
B) Proteins begin to denature from the increased temperature
C) Enzymes increasingly react with the wrong substrates
D) ATP reacts too quickly and causes damage to organelles

Answer 1

A high fever can cause proteins to denature, leading to the loss of C) enzyme activity and disruption of cellular processes.

Step-by-step explanation:

A high fever can be dangerous for cells because it can cause proteins to denature. Proteins have a specific three-dimensional structure that is necessary for their proper function. High temperatures disrupt this structure, leading to the loss of enzyme activity and other vital cellular processes. For example, enzymes are catalysts that facilitate chemical reactions in cells. When proteins denature due to high temperatures, enzymes may not be able to bind to their substrates correctly, leading to improper reactions within the cell.