Certified Wildlife Rehabilitator Practice Test

Which factor does not affect the function of an enzyme?

1. Temperature

2. pH levels

3. Substrate concentration

4. Fermentation

The correct answer is: Fermentation

Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in living organisms, and their function is influenced by various environmental factors. One critical aspect is that temperature, pH levels, and substrate concentration all play significant roles in determining the activity and efficiency of an enzyme. Temperature affects the kinetic energy of molecules; an optimal temperature range is necessary for enzymes to function effectively. Extremes in temperature can lead to denaturation, where the enzyme's structure is compromised, thus affecting its ability to bind with substrates. pH levels also have a profound impact on enzyme function, as each enzyme has an optimal pH range where it performs best. Deviations from this range can lead to decreased activity or denaturation of the enzyme. Substrate concentration influences the rate of reaction involving enzymes. As substrate concentration increases, so does the likelihood that enzyme active sites will be occupied, up to a saturation point. Beyond this point, enzymes cannot work any faster regardless of further substrate increases. In contrast, fermentation is a metabolic process that can occur in the presence or absence of oxygen and does not specifically impact enzymatic function as a variable like the others. It involves energy production and can use various enzymes, but it is not a direct factor affecting the function of a specific enzyme in