Chapter 19, Problem 4MCP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The hypothesis that explains the heat-stability of enzymes in thermophilic microorganisms particularly thermus aquaticus has to be proposed.

Concept Introduction:

Enzymes are biocatalysts that work most efficiently at certain temperatures only called their optimum temperature. At this temperature, the activity of the enzyme is highest and thus the rate of the reaction is also highest. However, when the temperatures have altered a variation in the tertiary structure of the enzyme may occur. This is because the increase in temperature causes the bonds to vibrate that disrupt the hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions and ultimately the structure denatures.