The Student Room Group

biology enzymes

investigating amylase enzyme- if you test at ph 3,4,5,6,7,8,9&10 why don't we know the exact optimum ph?
Reply 1
If the highest measured rate of reaction is at pH 7, and the second-highest measured rate is at pH 6, what's the optimum pH?
Reply 2
Original post by Hamna_sami
investigating amylase enzyme- if you test at ph 3,4,5,6,7,8,9&10 why don't we know the exact optimum ph?

i'm assuming that experimentally you'd get the highest rate of reaction at pH 7, but you still wouldn't know the exact pH because you'd need to test for 6.5, 6.6, 6.7 etc. to about 7.5
the higher the resolution the more exact the value of the optimum pH is
Reply 3
Original post by Methene
If the highest measured rate of reaction is at pH 7, and the second-highest measured rate is at pH 6, what's the optimum pH?

7, because it's the highest measured rate of reaction so clearly as far as the experiment goes the enzyme is at its optimum in those conditions
Reply 4
Original post by klafow
7, because it's the highest measured rate of reaction so clearly as far as the experiment goes the enzyme is at its optimum in those conditions

Yes, but as you said above, that wouldn't be sufficient for determining the exact optimum pH

(I was just trying to provide an example for the OP to consider)

Quick Reply