Question

___________ is responsible for maintaining biologically native structure of an enzyme and even nucleic acid.

(a) pH

(b) Proton

(c) ATP

(d) Electrons

This question was addressed to me in final exam.

My query is from Isolation of Enzymes in chapter Enzyme Extraction and Isolation of Enzyme Technology

Answer 1

The correct answer is (b) Proton

To elaborate: Proton is responsible for maintaining biologically native structure of an enzyme and even nucleic acid. ATP required for performing metabolic activities is also a result of proton coupled to electron transport chain. Protons can be added or removed when change in pH occurs. Electrons have no role to play in maintaining structure of enzyme and nucleic acid.