Question

In biphasic systems, the limited amount of water available considerably reduces the rate of thermoinactivation.

(a) True

(b) False

I had been asked this question in an interview for internship.

My enquiry is from Recent Advances topic in portion Recent Advances in Enzyme Technology of Enzyme Technology

Answer 1

Correct option is (a) True

Explanation: In biphasic systems, there is a pH of minute pools of water which contain no free hydrogen ions. Hence, it is impossible to measure or control the pH directly. But, the enzyme is said to ‘remember’ the pH of its last aqueous solution and functions as though it maintaining the same pH. If the enzyme-bound water is diluted by the use of the more water-soluble organic solvents, then the enzyme is usually inactivated. Under the conditions where this does not occur, the limited amount of water available, and the associated reduced water activity reduces the rate of thermoinactivation. Hence the above statement is true.