Question

The ratio of enzyme to substrate molecules can be as high as -
a. $1 : 100,000$
b. $1 : 50,000$
c. $1 : 10,000$
d. $1 : 1,000$

Answer 1

Hint: The enzyme and substrate complex is basically a complex that is formed when an enzyme comes into contact with the substrate. An enzyme is highly incomplete without the substrate molecule. The substrate causes a conformational change to the complex when the substrate enters the active site of an enzyme. The ratio of enzyme to substrate can be high. They involve several bonds to make this bond stronger.

Complete answer:
During the enzyme substrate reaction or complex formation, the enzyme attaches to the active site of the substrate. After this attachment, the substrate is changed into the product. The active site has a residue element that helps in the attachment of substrate to the active site of an enzyme. The substrate molecules form a temporary bond with the enzyme at the active site. The ratio of enzymes to substrate molecules can be as high as $1: 100,000$ as the bond formed is strong.

Also, if the amount of substrate further increases, there will be no vacant active sites for the attachment of substrates and this will terminate the reaction.

Hence, The correct answer is option (A).

Additional information:
- When an enzyme binds to its substrate, it forms an enzyme-substrate complex. This enzyme and substrate complex can lower the activation energy of the reaction. This leads to the rapid progression of this complex by giving up a certain ion or chemical group which can form covalent bonds with molecules.
- The active site of an enzyme can also create an ideal environment like a slightly acidic or nonpolar environment, for the reaction to carry out. After the completion of the reaction, the enzyme always returns to its original state.
- The enzyme remains ultimately unchanged by the reactions which they catalyze. After the enzyme completes the reaction catalyzing, it releases its products (substrates).

Note: The environmental conditions can also affect an enzyme’s active site and hence, the rate of a chemical reaction can also get affected by this. With the increasing environmental temperature, the reaction rates also increase as the molecules present move quickly and are more likely to come into contact with each other. The increasing and decreasing temperature can affect the chemical bonds within the enzyme and can also change its shape or conformation. If the enzyme changes its shape, the active site may no longer recognize it and may fail to bind to the appropriate substrate. This will result into a decrease in the rate of reaction