Implications and Applications1. Enzymes have maximum activity at a temperature that depends upon the
environment in which the organism thrives. Almost all enzymes found in the
human body have maximum activity at 37 °C (98.6 °F). Can you explain this?
2. Most enzymes are inactivated at temperatures above 60 °C. What does this
tell you about the effect of heat on body functions?
3. Increasing the temperature will increase the rate of reaction. In fact, it has
been estimated that increasing the temperature by 10 °C will double the rate
of enzymatic reactions. Do your data support this assumption?
4. Enzymes are typically found and used around the house. For example, meat
tenderizer contains a proteinase that helps break down fiber and makes meat
more tender. Would you add meat tenderizer to a steak while it is on the grill
cooking? Some detergents contain a proteinase enzyme to help remove grime
and stains, which are largely protein. Do you get best results from these
detergents in cold or warm water?
5. Just as the copper ion inhibited the action of the enzyme catalase, other
metal ions inhibit other specific enzymes. For example, mercury, lead,
beryllium, and arsenic inhibit specific enzymes required for energy production.
It is primarily for this reason that these metals are considered toxic and must
be used with caution.
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