Topic Biomolecule (Enzyme): Q) Besides denaturation, what is the other effect of extreme pH on enzyme activity?

Ans: Besides denaturation of the enzyme, the excess H+ or OH- may also affect the ionization of the side chains of the contact amino acid residues that make up the active site of the enzyme. As a result, the electrostatic binding between the active site of the enzyme and the substrate is lost. In more extreme cases, the amino acid residues may even repel the substrate because both have the same net charges.