OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

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What occurs if an enzyme loses its shape?

It can still catalyze reactions
It becomes more efficient
It cannot catalyze the reaction
It works better at higher temperatures

The correct answer is: It cannot catalyze the reaction

When an enzyme loses its shape, it becomes denatured, which means it can no longer function properly. Enzymes have a specific three-dimensional structure that is crucial for their activity. This structure includes an active site, which is where substrates bind and reactions occur. If the enzyme's shape is altered due to factors such as extreme temperatures, pH changes, or chemical exposure, the active site can become impaired, preventing the enzyme from binding to its substrate effectively. As a result, the enzyme cannot catalyze the reaction, leading to a loss of its biological activity. This emphasizes the importance of the enzyme's structure in maintaining its functionality.