Question

What do changes in pH (too low or too high) do to an enzyme that reduce its activity? Option 1: Increase its activity Option 2: Have no effect on its activity Option 3: Denature and decrease its activity Option 4: Convert it into a different enzyme

Answer 1

3. Denature and decrease its activity

Enzyme activity: pH

Changes in pH can affect the activity of enzymes. Enzymes have an optimal pH which they function most efficiently, and changes from this pH can cause denaturation of the enzyme. An important aspect of molecular biology is that structure means function. Denaturation affects structure of the enzyme and therefore, function. A pH that is too acidic or basic can disrupt the ionic and hydrogen bonds that maintain the 3D structure. This denaturation results in a loss of enzyme activity rather than increase.