a biologist prepared a strip of agar (a gelatin- like substance) as shown in the figure below. at position 7, he placed a concentrated sample of amino acid A and at position 1, a concentrated sample of enzyme E. E is known to catalyze the conversion of A to a product P. Assume that A and E can diffuse through agar and that smaller molecules can diffuse much more rapidly than larger molecules. At what position would you most likely first find P?
A. 8, B. 7, C.2, D. 4, or E. 5
Based on the information given, we know that enzyme E catalyzes the conversion of amino acid A to product P. Since the smaller molecules can diffuse more rapidly than larger molecules, we can assume that product P is smaller in size compared to amino acid A.
Given this, we can conclude that product P will diffuse faster than amino acid A. Initially, amino acid A is placed at position 7, while enzyme E is placed at position 1.
As time passes, enzyme E will catalyze the conversion of amino acid A to product P. Since product P is smaller and diffuses faster, it is expected to move further from its original position compared to amino acid A.
Therefore, the most likely position where product P will be found first is position 8 (the position furthest from the starting point of amino acid A).
So, the correct answer is A. 8.
To determine at which position you would most likely first find product P, you need to consider the process of diffusion and the movement of substances within the agar strip.
In this scenario, enzyme E is known to catalyze the conversion of amino acid A to product P. However, both A and E can diffuse through the agar strip. The rate of diffusion depends on the size of the molecules, with smaller molecules diffusing more rapidly than larger ones.
Given that A and E are both initially present at positions 1 and 7, respectively, it is logical to assume that they will start to diffuse from their respective positions. As A molecules diffuse towards E, they will encounter and react with E, leading to the formation of product P.
Considering the setup and the information provided, it is most likely that product P will first be found at or near the position where A and E initially meet and react. In this case, that position would be very close to position 7 where enzyme E is placed.
Based on this, the correct answer is B. Position 7 is where you would most likely first find product P.