Based on results, which pH yielded optimal lipase digestion?

Based on results, which pH yielded optimal lipase digestion?

• A. pH 2.0
• B. pH 7.0
• C. pH 9.0
• D. pH 4.0

Answer: (B)

Enzyme activity depends on pH because the charges on amino acids in the active site must be in the right state for catalysis and the protein must stay properly folded. Lipase that acts in the digestive system works best in a neutral to slightly basic environment, where the active site residues are correctly ionized and the enzyme maintains its shape. That’s why pH 7.0 shows the greatest digestion: it provides the optimal balance for the enzyme to bind and break down triglycerides efficiently. At very acidic pH, key residues can become protonated in a way that hinders catalysis, and at very basic pH, residues can become deprotonated, also reducing activity. So the results point to pH 7.0 as the best conditions for lipase digestion.

Enzyme activity depends on pH because the charges on amino acids in the active site must be in the right state for catalysis and the protein must stay properly folded. Lipase that acts in the digestive system works best in a neutral to slightly basic environment, where the active site residues are correctly ionized and the enzyme maintains its shape. That’s why pH 7.0 shows the greatest digestion: it provides the optimal balance for the enzyme to bind and break down triglycerides efficiently. At very acidic pH, key residues can become protonated in a way that hinders catalysis, and at very basic pH, residues can become deprotonated, also reducing activity. So the results point to pH 7.0 as the best conditions for lipase digestion.