JEE MainChemistryBiomolecules
Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A): The highly specific catalytic activity of an enzyme is lost when its aqueous solution is boiled. Reason (R): Enzymes are globular proteins, and boiling causes denaturation which destroys their specific three-dimensional active site. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate
Options
- ABoth (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A).
- B(A) is correct but (R) is not correct.
- CBoth (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
- D(A) is not correct but (R) is correct.
Correct answer
C. Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Step-by-step solution
Enzymes are biocatalysts that are highly specific in their action. Chemically, almost all enzymes are globular proteins. The specific catalytic activity of an enzyme is due to its unique three-dimensional structure (active site). When an aqueous solution of an enzyme is boiled, the high temperature causes denaturation of the protein. Denaturation unfolds the globular structure, destroying the active site and leading to the loss of catalytic activity. Thus, both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are correct, and (R) is t