The optimum temperature of most human enzymes is about
- A. 37 degrees Celsius
- B. 25 degrees Celsius
- C. 60 degrees Celsius
- D. 100 degrees Celsius
Explanation
Human enzymes have evolved to work fastest at normal body temperature, which is why homeostatic control of temperature matters so much. A high fever above roughly 40 degrees begins to denature enzymes and becomes dangerous. Bacteria living in hot springs have enzymes with far higher optima, and one of them, Taq polymerase, is what makes the polymerase chain reaction possible.
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