Question 1: Define an enzyme and explain its role in the digestion process.

Answer: An enzyme is a biological catalyst that speeds up chemical reactions, such as breaking down food molecules during digestion.

Question 2: Describe how temperature affects enzyme activity in the digestive system.

Answer: Enzyme activity increases with temperature up to an optimum point, after which high temperatures cause enzymes to denature and lose function.

Question 3: Explain why enzymes are specific to particular substrates.

Answer: Enzymes have a specific active site that matches the shape of their substrate, enabling selective binding and catalysis.

Question 1: If an enzyme catalyses the breakdown of 50 mg of substrate in 10 minutes, what is the rate of enzyme activity in mg per minute?

Answer: Rate = 50 mg / 10 min = 5 mg per minute

Question 2: Calculate the enzyme activity if 200 mg of substrate is broken down in 20 minutes. Express your answer in mg per minute.

Answer: Rate = 200 mg / 20 min = 10 mg per minute

Question 1: Design a simple experiment to test the effect of pH on amylase activity. Include the variables you would control and the safety precautions you should take.

Answer: The experiment involves testing starch digestion with amylase at different pH levels using buffered solutions. The independent variable is pH; the dependent variable is the rate of starch breakdown. Control variables include temperature, enzyme concentration, and substrate amount. Safety precautions include wearing gloves and eye protection when handling chemicals and enzymes.

Question 2: Identify two variables that should be kept constant during an enzyme activity experiment and explain why.

Answer: Temperature and enzyme concentration should be kept constant to ensure that changes in enzyme activity are due to the variable being tested, such as pH or substrate concentration.

Question 1: In an experiment measuring enzyme activity, the rate of substrate breakdown was found to decrease significantly after a temperature of 45°C was reached. Explain the likely reason for this observation.

Answer: The decrease is likely due to enzyme denaturation at high temperatures, which causes loss of the active site shape and reduces enzyme activity.

Question 2: A scientist measures the enzyme activity at different substrate concentrations and finds the rate levels off at higher concentrations. What does this indicate about the enzyme? Explain your answer.

Answer: It indicates that the enzyme has become saturated with substrate, and all active sites are occupied, so increasing substrate concentration no longer increases the rate.

Question 1: Describe how enzymes are used in the production of high-fructose corn syrup.

Answer: Enzymes like glucose isomerase convert glucose into fructose in corn syrup production, making it sweeter and more stable for use in foods and beverages.

Question 2: Explain one advantage of using enzymes in laundry detergents.

Answer: Enzymes help break down stains at lower temperatures, saving energy and being more environmentally friendly.