The curve given below shows enzymatic activity in relation to three conditions (pH, temperature and substrate concentration). What do the two axes (x and y) represent? [figure]
- array|l|l| x-axis & y-axis \ enzymatic activity & pH \ array
- array|l|l| x-axis & y-axis \ temperature & enzyme activity \ array
- array|l|l| x-axis & y-axis \ substrate concentration & enzymatic activity \ array
- array|l|l| x-axis & y-axis \ enzymatic activity & temperature \ array
Answer
(2) array|l|l| x-axis & y-axis \ temperature & enzyme activity \ array
Solution
∵ Enzyme activity is the dependent variable ⇒ it is plotted on the y-axis; options (1) and (4) are ruled out.
∵ With increasing substrate concentration the velocity rises and then reaches a maximum (plateau), it does not fall ⇒ (3) is ruled out.
As per NCERT, an enzyme shows its highest activity at a particular temperature (optimum temperature); activity declines both below and above it, giving a bell-shaped curve with temperature on the x-axis and enzyme activity on the y-axis.
Answer: (2)