Question

In which of the following enzymes, is copper necessarily associated as an activator?
(a) Carbonic anhydrase
(b) Tryptophanase
(c) Lactic dehydrogenase
(d) Tyrosinase

Answer 1

Hint: Enzymes are present in our body helping bin various processes, starting from the breaking down of carbohydrates in digestion to cell replication. These enzymes are also involved in the browning of products.

Complete answer:
Copper is necessarily associated as an activator in Tyrosinase, which is an oxidase enzyme, For maintaining the production of melanin Tyrosinase acts as the rate- limiting enzyme. The major function of Tyrosinase is oxidation and copper in them. They are also present in both present in plant and animal cells

Additional information:
- Since enzymes are made up of proteins, they will denature at high temperatures. There are some organisms that live in the hot glaciers where the average temperature is higher than 80- degree Celcius.
- Enzymes are highly specific and will only react to the specific receptors. Certain enzymes have a 'lock and key' activation system. Enzymes are specific in their chemical and functional property too.
- Tyrosinase is involved in the browning of several products and research is going on to find optimal inhibitors for tyrosinase, so that the browning of products can be prevented.
So, the correct answer is 'option (d) Tyrosinase'.

Note:
- pH is a major physical property that influences the functioning of enzymes. Optimal pH is necessary for exploring the maximum potential of the enzymes. Major naturally occurring enzymes have an optimal pH range from 6.8 to 7.2.
- Other than higher temperatures, very low temperatures can also affect the functioning of enzymes. This is due to the fact that, at low- temperature enzymes lack the activation energy.
- Some common examples for enzymes are lipases, amylase, and trypsin, which are involved in the breaking down of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins respectively.