A student measures the rate of an enzyme at six temperatures, in µmol/min: 4 at 10 °C, 9 at 20 °C…
Contributed by StemPy LabTry it on paper first. A hint, the key idea and the worked solution are here when you need them.
A student measures the rate of an enzyme at six temperatures, in µmol/min: at °C, at °C, at °C, at °C, at °C and at °C. What is the optimum temperature? What is the rate at °C, as a percentage of the maximum rate?
Need a reminder? The key ideaShow
Each enzyme has an optimum temperature and pH. Cold makes an enzyme inactive; heat denatures it. The rate rises with substrate and levels off at Vmax; Km is the substrate concentration at half of Vmax. A competitive inhibitor looks like the substrate and blocks the active site; more substrate reduces its effect.
The worked solution
Have you tried it?
Work it out on paper first. It is fine to get stuck or make a mistake: that is how we learn. When you are ready, go through the solution one step at a time, and check each step against your own.
Step 1. The optimum. The highest rate, µmol/min, is at °C.
Step 2. The rate at 20 °C. , which is of the maximum.
Answer: the optimum is °C, and at °C the rate is of the maximum.
Discussion (0)
Log in to join the discussion.
Loading…