an experiment, a scientist notices that an enzyme’s catalytic rate decreases when the pH of the environment is changed. Which of the following best summarizes the effect of pH on the enzyme?



A.
pH changes the shape of the enzyme.

B.
pH takes energy away from the enzyme, thus slowing it down.

C.
pH changes the atomic structure of the enzyme.

D. pH changes the ability of the enzyme to dissolve in water

The best summary of the effect of pH on the enzyme is option A - pH changes the shape of the enzyme. When pH is changed, the enzyme's shape can be altered, which in turn affects its ability to catalyze reactions. Enzymes are proteins that have specific 3D shapes, and their activity is highly dependent on their shape. Changes in pH can disrupt the protein's structure, causing the enzyme to become less effective or inactive.

A. pH changes the shape of the enzyme.