Question 1: Define the Lock and Key Theory as it relates to enzyme activity in biological systems.

Answer: The Lock and Key Theory suggests that enzymes have specific active sites (locks) that only fit specific substrate molecules (keys), facilitating biochemical reactions.

Question 2: Explain how the Lock and Key Theory can be applied to understanding pollutant breakdown in environmental bioremediation.

Answer: In bioremediation, specific enzymes act like keys that match pollutants (locks), breaking them down efficiently. Understanding this helps optimise pollutant degradation.

Question 3: What is meant by the 'active site' of an enzyme?

Answer: The active site is the specific region of an enzyme where substrate molecules bind and reactions are catalysed.

Question 1: An enzyme catalyses the breakdown of a pollutant at a rate of 0.75 mg per minute. How much pollutant will be broken down in 2 hours?

Answer: 90 mg

Question 2: If the enzyme's efficiency increases by 20% after a pH adjustment, what is the new breakdown rate per minute?

Answer: 0.9 mg per minute

Question 1: Describe a basic experimental setup to test the effectiveness of a specific enzyme in breaking down a pollutant in water.

Answer: The setup involves preparing water samples with a known concentration of pollutant, adding the enzyme at a controlled temperature and pH, and measuring pollutant levels at regular intervals. Variables include enzyme concentration, temperature, pH, and contact time. Safety precautions include wearing gloves and lab coat, and ensuring proper disposal of contaminated water.

Question 2: Identify two variables that should be kept constant in the experiment described above.

Answer: Temperature and pH

Question 1: A study reports that enzyme activity in breaking down a pollutant increased by 35% when a specific catalyst was added to the environment. Explain how the Lock and Key Theory supports this observation.

Answer: The catalyst may alter the enzyme's active site or substrate structure, increasing the likelihood of substrate fitting into the enzyme (lock and key), thus enhancing activity.

Question 1: Describe how enzyme specificity, as explained by the Lock and Key Theory, is important in designing bioreactors for wastewater treatment.

Answer: Enzyme specificity ensures that only target pollutants are broken down, preventing unwanted reactions. This allows for efficient and selective bioreactor operation, minimising side effects and increasing pollutant removal efficiency.

Question 1: Explain how understanding enzyme specificity can aid in developing environmentally friendly cleaning products.

Answer: Knowing enzyme specificity allows manufacturers to select enzymes that target specific stains or contaminants, reducing the need for harsh chemicals and promoting eco-friendly cleaning solutions.

Question 2: Discuss the potential benefits of engineering enzymes with broader active sites for environmental applications.

Answer: Engineered enzymes with broader active sites could target a wider range of pollutants, increasing the efficiency of bioremediation processes. This could lead to faster pollutant breakdown, reduced costs, and more sustainable environmental management.