A group of students conducts research on enzyme activity and collects the data shown in the graphs.
There are two graphs. The first graph has increasing enzyme activity on the y-axis and temperature, in Celsius, on the x-axis. The line increases at a steady rate until about 37 degrees Celsius, then quickly decreases. The second graph has increasing enzyme activity on the y-axis and pH on the x-axis. The line slowly increases until there is a pH of between 6 and 8, then starts to decrease.
Which statement is supported by the evidence in the graphs?
A.
The enzyme is very active at approximately 42°C and within a pH range of 2 to 6.
B.
The enzyme functions well at a temperature of 35°C and would be active at any pH value.
C.
The enzyme works best in a pH range of 6 to 8 and at a temperature of approximately 37° C.
D.
The enzyme's activity is greatest at pH 7 and would not be affected by a change in temperature.
C.
The enzyme works best in a pH range of 6 to 8 and at a temperature of approximately 37° C.
The statement supported by the evidence in the graphs is:
C.
The enzyme works best in a pH range of 6 to 8 and at a temperature of approximately 37° C.
To analyze the evidence in the graphs and determine which statement it supports, we need to carefully examine the trends shown.
In the first graph, we observe that the enzyme activity increases at a steady rate until around 37 degrees Celsius, after which it quickly decreases. This indicates that the enzyme is active within a specific temperature range and becomes less effective at higher temperatures.
In the second graph, we see that the enzyme activity slowly increases until there is a pH within the range of 6 to 8. After reaching this pH range, the enzyme activity starts to decrease. This suggests that the enzyme works best within a specific pH range and becomes less active outside of that range.
Based on this analysis, statement C is supported by the evidence in the graphs. The graphs show that the enzyme works best in a pH range of 6 to 8 and at a temperature of approximately 37°C.