Effect of pH on Enzyme Activity

Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in the body. Each enzyme has a specific substrate that it acts upon, and this interaction is often illustrated by the lock and key model. However, certain conditions can affect enzymatic activity, including temperature, pH, and substrate concentration.

In a recent laboratory experiment, you are examining the effect of pH on the activity of an enzyme known as amylase, which catalyzes the hydrolysis of starch into sugars. You observe that the enzymatic activity shows optimal performance at a pH of around 7, while significantly reducing at both lower and higher pH levels.

Based on this information, which statement accurately describes an enzyme's behavior regarding pH levels?