Problem 5 - Campbell Biology

Question

Some bacteria are metabolically active in hot springs because (A) they are able to maintain a lower internal temperature. (B) high temperatures make catalysis unnecessary. (C) their enzymes have high optimal temperatures. (D) their enzymes are completely insensitive to temperature.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The correct answer is (C).

Step 1: Understand the context

Bacteria that are metabolically active in hot springs live in environments with very high temperatures.

Step 2: Evaluate option (A)

Option (A) suggests bacteria maintain a lower internal temperature than their environment. This is incorrect because their internal enzymes need to function at high temperatures.

Step 3: Evaluate option (B)

Option (B) claims high temperatures make catalysis unnecessary. Catalysis is essential for metabolic processes at any temperature, so this option is incorrect.

Step 4: Evaluate option (C)

Option (C) suggests that the bacteria's enzymes have high optimal temperatures. This means their enzymes work best at the high temperatures found in hot springs, making this option correct.

Step 5: Evaluate option (D)

Option (D) states that their enzymes are completely insensitive to temperature. This is incorrect because enzymes are always sensitive to temperature; it's just that these particular enzymes function optimally at higher temperatures.

Step 6: Conclusion

Based on the evaluation of all options, the correct answer is that the bacteria's enzymes have high optimal temperatures.

Key Concepts

enzyme activity

Enzyme activity is a key concept in understanding how bacteria can thrive in different environments, including hot springs. Enzymes are proteins that act as catalysts to speed up chemical reactions within cells. Each enzyme has a specific function and works best under certain conditions.

These conditions include factors such as temperature, pH levels, and the presence of specific ions or molecules. In high-temperature environments, like hot springs, bacteria need enzymes that can maintain their structure and function despite the heat.

Regular enzymes might denature (lose their shape and function) at these temperatures, but thermophilic bacteria possess specialized enzymes that stay active and stable. This ability of enzymes to remain functional in harsh conditions is essential for the bacteria’s survival and metabolism.

optimal temperature

The concept of optimal temperature is crucial in the study of enzyme activity, especially for thermophilic bacteria. Optimal temperature refers to the specific temperature range at which an enzyme functions most effectively. For many enzymes, this is close to the body temperature of the organism.

In thermophilic bacteria, the enzymes have evolved to have much higher optimal temperatures. This means they perform best at the high temperatures found in their natural habitats, such as hot springs. These enzymes are robust and can resist denaturation that would occur at these temperatures for most other proteins.

Research into these heat-stable enzymes has practical applications in industries requiring high-temperature processes, such as in the production of biofuels or in certain types of biotechnology.

metabolic processes

Metabolic processes refer to the chemical reactions that occur within a living organism to maintain life. These processes are catalyzed by enzymes, which are specifically designed to work within the environmental conditions the organism experiences.

For bacteria in hot springs, metabolic processes must continue efficiently at high temperatures. This is achieved through enzymes that have high optimal temperatures. Such enzymes ensure that the biochemical reactions proceed at a rate necessary to support growth and reproduction.

Without these specialized enzymes, the metabolic processes would slow down or stop, making it impossible for the bacteria to survive in the extreme conditions. This adaptation is a prime example of how life evolves to thrive in diverse and extreme environments.