Understanding Enzyme Saturation

Hard Biochemistry Enzymes

Enzymes are biological catalysts that accelerate chemical reactions in living organisms. They operate under specific conditions, including optimal temperature and pH. The catalytic activity of enzymes is commonly described by the Michaelis-Menten kinetics, which considers factors such as substrate concentration and enzyme affinity. In a study investigating a particular enzyme, researchers observed that the reaction rate increased with substrate concentration but plateaued at higher levels, suggesting that the enzyme's active site was saturated. Additionally, alterations in pH resulted in significant changes in enzyme activity, reflecting the enzyme's protein structure and stability.

Based on this information, which statement best explains a critical concept in enzyme function?

Enzymes can function equally well at any pH level.

Enzyme activity is solely determined by substrate concentration.

Enzyme saturation occurs when all active sites are occupied by substrate.

Enzymes cannot catalyze reactions of different substrates.

Hint

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