Which of the following suggests that the shape of an enzyme determines the enzyme’s function?

• A. Enzymes are made up of nucleic acids.
• B. Enzymes increase the temperature of the reaction environment.
• C. Enzymes are consumed during the chemical reaction.
• D. An enzyme can only catalyze a reaction with a specific substrate that fits its active site.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of enzymes in biological reactions: Enzymes are proteins that act as biological catalysts, speeding up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process.
2. Learn about the active site of an enzyme: The active site is a specific region on the enzyme where the substrate binds. The shape of the active site is complementary to the substrate, allowing the enzyme to catalyze the reaction effectively.
3. Recognize the concept of enzyme specificity: Enzymes are highly specific, meaning they can only catalyze reactions involving substrates that fit their active site. This specificity is determined by the enzyme's three-dimensional shape.
4. Relate enzyme shape to function: The shape of the enzyme, particularly the active site, determines its ability to bind to a specific substrate and catalyze the reaction. If the shape is altered (e.g., by denaturation), the enzyme may lose its functionality.
5. Conclude that the correct answer is based on enzyme specificity: The statement 'An enzyme can only catalyze a reaction with a specific substrate that fits its active site' highlights the importance of the enzyme's shape in determining its function.