A Heavy-Metal Ion May Disrupt the Functioning of an Enzyme

question 235

Multiple Choice

A heavy-metal ion may disrupt the functioning of an enzyme because:

• A)substrates bond to the metal ion
• B)a metal ion may change the shape of the active site
• C)metal ions raise the pH of cellular fluid
• D)metal ions displace enzymes in intracellular fluid

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Definitions:

Synthesizes Proteins

The process by which cells build proteins from amino acids based on the instructions encoded in genes.

Ribosome

A cellular structure that synthesizes proteins by translating mRNA into amino acid sequences.

Hydrogen Binding

Hydrogen bonding is a type of weak chemical bond that is usually intermolecular, occurring when a hydrogen atom covalently bound to a highly electronegative atom such as N, O, or F experiences attraction to another electronegative atom.

Phosphoric Acid

A weak acid with the chemical formula H3PO4, used in food flavoring, beverages, dental products, and as an industrial etchant.