Question

Choose the correct answer from the alternatives given.
Below freezing and above boiling, cells are unable to function. However, cells in most organisms are still limited from functioning throughout this full range of liquid temperatures. At the molecular level in different organisms, cells ability to vary in their tolerance to temperature, etc., is most closely related to variation in

• A. enzyme activity and protein denaturation
• B. ATP efficiency
• C. replication of nucleic acids
• D. extent of saturation of fatty acids

Answer 1

The correct option is A enzyme activity and protein denaturation

Enzymes are specialized protein molecules having complex 3D structures which determines their detailed functional structure. As the temperature increases, random molecular motion becomes more energetic and the molecules disrupt the enzyme's natural structure. As a result, the essential structural characteristics of enzymes have been altered. This also happens in the case of proteins, when temperature increases, proteins lose their 3D structure and they cannot function. So, the correct option is "enzyme activity and protein denaturation".