Question

We recently used an enzyme in the laboratory: lactase. I have also often used the metaphor "Goldilocksian" to describe the catalysts we call enzymes. Our results in our experiments did not exactly show the traditional relations of enzymes to different levels of pH and temperature. Thus, I provide here a "theoretical" set of data (closer to what would be seen with more ideal conditions). Absorbance at 0° 20° 400 600 7001000 Looking at the theoretical relation of enzyme activity to temperature, how is the metaphor of "Goldilocksian" illustrated by these data? In other words, what is going on with the enzyme and its substrate(s) and the rate of production of product? Explain what is happening to the enzyme on both sides of its maximum rate. DO NOT re-tell "Goldilocks" in great detail. A mention of why the metaphor is useful in the discussion could be part of your introduction.

Answer 1

Goldilocks theory is an analogy to children's book. There the character tastes three different porridge and prefers them to be neither too hot nor too cold, just the right temperature.

Similar conclusion can be drawn for any enzyme's activity with respect to temperature . As the temperature is increased, the enzyme activity also increases but after certain limit, the activity decreases. The temperature should be optimum for the enzyme to work effectively .

In the graph given above, the enzyme will show maximum activity between temperature range of 20 to 40 degree. Below 20 degree the enzyme activity will be nill and above 40 degree the enzyme activity will be very less. So eventually it will affect the rate of production of products. Temperature increase, the rate of formation of product also increases but after certain temperature limit the rate will decrease.