What leads to the change in shape of the active site of an enzyme when temperature increases?

• A. Increased substrate concentration
• B. Denaturation of the enzyme
• C. Decreased pH levels
• D. Inhibition by competitive inhibitors

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that enzymes are proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to proceed.
2. Recognize that the active site of an enzyme is the region where substrate molecules bind and undergo a chemical reaction.
3. Identify that temperature can affect enzyme activity. At optimal temperatures, enzymes function efficiently, but extreme temperatures can lead to denaturation.
4. Explain that denaturation is a process where the enzyme's three-dimensional structure is altered, often due to the breaking of hydrogen bonds and other interactions, leading to a change in the shape of the active site.
5. Conclude that when the temperature increases beyond an enzyme's optimal range, it can cause denaturation, resulting in a change in the shape of the active site, which affects the enzyme's ability to bind substrates and catalyze reactions.