Question

Question 37 a) What is the general meaning (not just as it applies to enzymes) of the phrase "optimum conditions"? b) Why do most enzymes exhibit a narrow range of optimum conditions, including pH, temperature, and salt concentration?

Answer 1

Question 37 a)

Answer: Optimum condition often denotes a favourable result such as point, degree, amount, like temperature, light, and moisture for the growth or reproduction of an organism.

Question 37 b)

Answer:

PH conditions:
Changing PH values out of its optimum range will make enzymes to perform slower. An extreme range PH value could cause enzymes to lose its shape (denature)

Temperature:
Any reaction speeds up if there is increase in temperature while reaction slows down if temperature is decreased.
But incase of extreme high temperatures an enzyme might loose its shape and stop working.

Salt concentration:
Incase of high salt concentration the enzyme will precipitate
whereas in low salt concentration or at zero level, enzyme will denature and form an inactive precipitate.
Intermediate salt concentration might be optimum for enzymes.