Question

Enzo, a teenager, was experimenting with an enzyme in his biology lab. He found that the enzyme didn't react with most substances. He found it strange.
What do you think are the possible reasons why it didn't react?

• A. Enzymes need to be in very huge quantities.
• B. Enzymes are very specific in their action
• C. Maybe the temperature in the lab is not right.
• D. Maybe the pressure in the lab is not right.

Answer 1

Answer: (B), (C)

Maybe the temperature in the lab is not right.

If we look at the important characteristics for enzyme action, we will see that

1. These reactions are highly efficient.
2. These are highly specific.
3. These are highly temperature dependent. These reactions operate most efficiently at a temperature called the optimum temperature.

From the second and third point, we can conclude that enzymes react only with very specific substances. That's why Enzo didn't find it react with most substances.
It's also possible that the temperature in his lab is not quite right for the enzyme action.