Biology 9700 · AS & A Level · Protein synthesis

Protein synthesis — practice question

A sucrase enzyme was isolated from the bacterium $\textit{Bacillus subtilis}$. The enzyme was then immobilised in alginate beads. The researchers examined how temperature affected the activity of the immobilised sucrase and compared this with the activity of the same enzyme when it was free in solution. The findings are shown in Fig. 3.1.
(a)[4]

Using Fig. 3.1, compare how temperature affects the activity of immobilised sucrase with the activity of sucrase free in solution.

(b)[2]

Fig. 3.2 shows that immobilised sucrase stays active across a broader pH range than sucrase free in solution. Suggest reasons why immobilised sucrase has higher activity over the range of pH between $5.5$ and $8.0$.

(c)[2]

State one variable that should be kept constant in both investigations and explain it in terms of enzyme action.

(d)[2]

There are many advantages to using immobilised enzymes in industry. Suggest two advantages of using immobilised enzymes in industry other than remaining active over a greater range of pH.

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This 10-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: “Activity first increases and then decreases as temperature rises” …

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