Which change is most likely to occur to an enzyme at a pH far from its optimum?

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. Ionic and hydrogen bonds in the tertiary structure are disrupted, changing the shape of the active site

  1. Step 1: The R groups on amino acids can gain or lose hydrogen ions at extreme pH.
  2. Step 2: This disrupts ionic and hydrogen bonds, so the tertiary structure and active site change.
Answer
Ionic and hydrogen bonds in the tertiary structure are disrupted, changing the shape of the active site.
Why not the others: The peptide bonds of the primary structure are broken, converting it into amino acids: pH changes affect weaker bonds, not peptide bonds. The enzyme gains a new active site: extreme pH does not create new sites. The enzyme's substrate changes shape to fit: the enzyme changes, not the substrate.

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