NEET2026BiologyChapterActual
Observe the given graph showing the effect of temperature on the activity of a typical enzyme. Which of the following best explains the sharp decline in enzyme activity at the region marked 'X'?
Options
- AThe enzyme is preserved in a temporarily inactive state.
- BThe tertiary structure of the enzyme is destroyed, causing denaturation.
- CThe activation energy required for the reaction increases significantly.
- DThe substrate concentration becomes a limiting factor for the reaction.
Correct answer
B. The tertiary structure of the enzyme is destroyed, causing denaturation.
Step-by-step solution
The given graph illustrates the effect of temperature on enzyme activity, with the peak representing the optimum temperature for maximum activity. Region 'X' corresponds to temperatures significantly higher than the optimum temperature. At these high temperatures, the increased thermal energy disrupts the weak interactions (such as hydrogen bonds) that maintain the enzyme's specific three-dimensional (tertiary) structure. This loss of structural conformation is known as denaturation. As the enzyme denatures, its ac