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Multiple Choice
Which characteristic of enzymes allows them to be highly specific in the reactions they catalyze?
A
Presence of metal ions
B
Ability to denature at high temperatures
C
High molecular weight
D
Chirality of the active site
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process.
Recognize that the specificity of enzymes is largely due to the structure of their active sites, which are the regions where substrate molecules bind.
Learn that the active site of an enzyme is chiral, meaning it has a specific three-dimensional arrangement that can distinguish between different enantiomers of a substrate.
Realize that this chirality allows enzymes to bind only to substrates with a complementary shape and orientation, much like a lock and key mechanism.
Conclude that the chirality of the active site is the characteristic that allows enzymes to be highly specific in the reactions they catalyze, as it ensures that only specific substrates can fit and react.