Question

___________ is also the major reason for enzyme inactivation by microbial contamination.

(a) Proteolysis

(b) Heat

(c) Loss of co-factors or co-enzymes

(d) Oxidation

I have been asked this question in an online quiz.

I would like to ask this question from Preparation of Enzymes from Clarified Solution topic in section Enzyme Preparation and Usage of Enzyme Technology

Answer 1

Correct answer is (a) Proteolysis

To explain: Proteolysis is the main reason for enzyme inactivation by microbial contamination. It may occur if proteases are present in the living cell. When the enzymes are in their native form, they are resistant to attack by proteases because of highly structured domains which lower the bonds available for protease attack. Protease may produce single nicks that have little effect of protein conformation and hence the activity.