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Q: Do enzymes work best in acidic conditions or alkaline conditions?
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All enzymes act best at a pH close neutral?

This is not true. Different enzymes thrive in completely different pH conditions. Consider the protease pepsin, which works in the stomach. It breaks down proteins in acidities as low as pH 2. In the duodenum, lipase works best in slightly alkaline conditions.


True or false Lysosomes perform digestive functions within a cell?

Yes. Born as endosomes that contain inactive enzymes, lysosomes are spherical, membranous organelles containing activated digestive enzymes. Lysosomes are large and abundant within phagocytes, the cells that dispose of invading bacteria and cell debris. Lysosomal enzymes can digest almost all kinds of biological molecules. They work best in acidic conditions and so are called acid hydrolases.


Lysosomes contain enzymes which function where?

Lysosomes contain hydrolytic enzymes. These enzymes break down large food particles, worn out organelles, or intruders in a cell (e.g. bacteria, viruses). Hydrolytic enzymes work best in the acidic environment that the lysosome provides.


How does pH affect an enzyme?

When the pH level rises, the enzyme's bonds become weakened, changing the enzyme's structure and disabling its function (so its substrates can't enter its active site). Enzymes, like all proteins, are folded into three-dimensional shapes (called tertiary structure). Their structures are determined by their amino acid sequences and the conditions of the solution they're in. The acidity of a solution can affect the tertiary structure of the protein, making it more or less accessible to the substrates or ligands(molecules that affect enzyme activity but are not processed by the enzyme). In most cells, enzymes acting in the cytosol and mitochondria have pH optima of around 7.2 (physiological pH). However, some enzymes in these compartments actually work better at lower pH, which occurs when the cells are stressed. The vacuole and apoplastic space (between plasma membrane and cell wall) of plant cells is much more acidic, therefore enzymes acting there have pH optima between 3-5. In the human digestive tract, there are enzymes operating at basic pH (mouth and intestine) and highly acidic pH (stomach). So the effect of pH depends on the "native" conditions that the enzyme is optimized to use.


What determines the effectiveness of enzymes?

The temperature in which the enzymes are effects the effectiveness of enzymes. Enzymes work best at a temperature of 37 which is the body temperature.

Related questions

What type of soil is best for growing bajra?

Neutral or slightly alkaline conditions. Bajra does not tolerate acidic ( low pH) conditions.


Why is it essential that blood stay at a slightly alkaline reaction?

Enzymes are substances that speed up chemical rections in the body. Most enzymes have a specific pH range in which they function best. Most enzymes in blood must be working best at an alkaline reaction. Thus, the body maintains an alkaline pH.


Would a cereal crop grow better in an acidic or alkaline soil?

wheat grows best is alkaline soil


All enzymes act best at a pH close neutral?

This is not true. Different enzymes thrive in completely different pH conditions. Consider the protease pepsin, which works in the stomach. It breaks down proteins in acidities as low as pH 2. In the duodenum, lipase works best in slightly alkaline conditions.


How does soil pH plant growth?

pH at number 7 is neutral and is best for plant growth; however, plants have tolerance to acidic and alkaline soils up to certain degree. Plant growth is affected in extreme saline and alkaline conditions.


Can enzymes function at any pH?

No. They function best at the pH corresponding to their usual/intended environment. For example, pepsin, present in the stomach, which is highly acidic, functions best at acidic pH, while trypsin, secreted into the duodenum together with basic bicarbonate, functions best at moderately basic pH. This is true also within subcellular compartments: the optimal pH of lysosomal enzymes is acidic, matching the acidic proteolytic environment inside the lysosome. That said, most enzymes present in the cytosol (~neutral) and blood (~neutral) function best around neutral pH.


Where does chemical digestion of fat occur?

The small intestines, where it is then broken down into glycerol and fatty acids.


Where do digestive enzymes work best in either a neutral basic or acidic environment?

Digestive enzymes work best in a slightly acidic environment rather than a neutral environment. That's the reason why the stomach releases gastric acid.


In what environment does amylase work best at an alkaline environment or an acidic environment?

It works best in an alkaline environment. I can't think of why just yetthough! I'll come back to you on that one, I'll have to do some research! :D


Which organelle or structure contains enzymes that function best at acidic pH values?

The lysosome


How does soil pH affect plants growth?

pH at number 7 is neutral and is best for plant growth; however, plants have tolerance to acidic and alkaline soils up to certain degree. Plant growth is affected in extreme saline and alkaline conditions.


What condition is best for enzyme activity?

enzymes work best at body temperature, that is if the enzmes are human.