Why does adding an acid stop enzyme-catalyzed reactions? A. the acid prevents th

Question

Why does adding an acid stop enzyme-catalyzed reactions?

A. the acid prevents the enzyme from providing energy to the system so the reaction cannot occur
B. the acid binds to the substrate preventing the substrate from binding to the functional active site of the enzyme
C. the acid adds energy to the system
D. for the enzyme we are using, the acid destroys the shape of the enzyme. Without the proper shape, the enzyme cannot catalyze the reaction

I put answer B and the system says that is wrong...Can you explain why and what is the correct answer and why? I just don't get it.

Explanation / Answer

The correct answer is D. This is because enzymes are proteins, and most proteins are denatured when their surroundings are not at the right pH, i.e. when a strong acid or base is added. Denaturation refers to a protein losing its structure (or shape) and therefore losing its ability to function. The reason the enzyme cannot function properly when it loses its shape is because the tertiary structure of an enzyme is what creates a binding site for its substrate. I hope that makes sense.

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