Which factors can denature enzymes?

• A. Presence of oxygen.
• B. High temperature, extreme pH, certain chemicals/inhibitors, and heavy metals.
• C. Neutral pH with moderate temperature.
• D. Light exposure only.

Answer: (B)

Enzymes rely on their folded shape to position the active site properly, so breaking that shape disrupts function. High temperature injects energy that unfolds the protein by breaking hydrogen bonds and other interactions that hold the structure together. Extreme pH changes alter the charges on amino acids, destabilizing ionic and hydrogen bonds and causing the protein to unfold or misfold. Some chemicals and inhibitors can bind to the enzyme or interfere with bonds inside the protein, changing its shape or blocking the active site. Heavy metals can bind to key parts of the enzyme, such as sulfhydryl groups, distorting the structure and function. In contrast, neutral pH with moderate temperature, or light exposure alone, isn’t typically enough to denature most enzymes. So the factors that can denature enzymes are high temperature, extreme pH, certain chemicals/inhibitors, and heavy metals.