Factors Affecting Enzyme Activity Practice Problems

What impact would you predict on the rate of an enzymatic process for an enzyme that operates optimally at 25°C (room temperature), if the temperature is increased from 25°C to 55°C?

What general effect(s) might adding a polar organic solvent like ethanol have on an enzymatic process occurring at optimal human body temperature (around 37°C)?

What is the implication when we say that the enzyme is fully occupied by a substrate? How does adding more enzyme and substrate influence the rate of the chemical reaction?

What would be the likely impact on the rate of a biochemical reaction catalyzed by an enzyme that functions optimally at room temperature (about 25°C) if a reducing agent like dithiothreitol (DTT) is introduced?

Lipase, an enzyme found in the pancreas, exhibits high catalytic activity at pH 8, while pepsin, an enzyme found in the stomach, exhibits no catalytic activity at this pH. Why?

How would the rate of an enzyme-catalyzed reaction be affected if the amount of the enzyme was increased two-fold? Explain why.

In a biochemistry lab, students conducted an experiment to compare the enzyme activity in spinach and lettuce leaves. They first observed the color change in both leaves when exposed to air due to phenolase activity. Then, they performed another experiment where they added hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) to fresh spinach and lettuce samples and recorded the time until bubbles appeared. Which sample has more catalase? Explain your answer.