Figure 3.4

-The figure above represents a reaction with a fixed enzyme concentration.As the concentration of substrate increases,the graph eventually levels off and reaches a plateau.Which of the following statements best describes the reason for this?
A)As the reaction proceeds,the enzyme is broken down by the substrate until no enzyme is left to continue the reaction.
B)As the reaction proceeds,all of the active sites of the enzyme become saturated such that a maximum catalytic rate is reached.
C)As the reaction proceeds,the product begins to occupy the active site of the enzyme such that a maximum catalytic rate is reached.
D)As the reaction proceeds,the enzyme is denatured due to the increased levels of product being formed.

Question

Figure 3.4
 
-The figure above represents a reaction with a fixed enzyme concentration.As the concentration of substrate increases,the graph eventually levels off and reaches a plateau.Which of the following statements best describes the reason for this?
A)As the reaction proceeds,the enzyme is broken down by the substrate until no enzyme is left to continue the reaction. 
B)As the reaction proceeds,all of the active sites of the enzyme become saturated such that a maximum catalytic rate is reached. 
C)As the reaction proceeds,the product begins to occupy the active site of the enzyme such that a maximum catalytic rate is reached. 
D)As the reaction proceeds,the enzyme is denatured due to the increased levels of product being formed.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

As substrate concentration increases, more and more substrate molecules are available to bind to the active sites of the enzyme until all the active sites become occupied. Once all the active sites are occupied, the enzyme is said to be saturated, and the rate of the reaction levels off, reaching a maximum catalytic rate. This is because the enzyme is working at its maximal capacity and cannot increase its activity any further even if more substrate is added.

Figure 3.4 -The Figure Above Represents a Reaction with a Fixed Enzyme