what could cause enzyme activity to have more than one optimal pH ?

Question

abb0t · Answer

the environment.

beccaboo333 · Answer

I feel like there is options with this

anonymous · Answer

no options, just that an assay was performed to test the activity of an enzyme. and the enzyme is active at pH 2.2, 8.5, 10.6. "propose a logical hypothesis for the observed data."

anonymous · Answer

well you can have optimal pH due to multiple factors: enzyme activity, target molecule ionization, final product stability are most obvious first choices in my opinion

anonymous · Answer

but why would there be more than one optimum ? one optimum for each of those three reasons  ?

anonymous · Answer

well yes, imagine it like 3 graphs extrapolated on each other with 3 separate peaks.

There is also a possibility of multiple enzymes being active each working at its own pH: photosynthesis is perfect example.