The enzymes have a very narrow optima for which of the following factor?
A
Light
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B
Temperature
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C
pH
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D
Humidity
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Solution
The correct option is D pH Enzymes precisely work at certain optimum conditions such as appropriate temperature, pH, and ion concentration. Deviations from the optimal conditions adversely affect enzyme activity. Most enzymes are active only over a narrow pH range and have an optimal pH, at which the rate of reaction is fastest. The optimal pH for most human enzymes is between 6 and 8. Pepsin, a protein-digesting enzyme secreted by cells lining the stomach, is an exception, it works only in a very acidic medium, optimally at pH 2. In contrast, trypsin, a protein-splitting enzyme secreted by the pancreas, functions best under the slightly basic conditions found in the small intestine.The activity of an enzyme may be markedly changed by any alteration in pH, which in turn alters electric charges on the enzyme. Changes in charge affect the ionic bonds that contribute to tertiary and quaternary structure, thereby changing the conformation and activity of the protein. Many enzymes become inactive, and usually irreversibly denatured when the medium is made very acidic or very basic.