Enzymes generally function in

Options

A. Narrow range of temperature only
B. Broad range of temperature and pH
C. Broad range of temperature only
D. Narrow range of temperature and pH

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Enzymes**: Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in living organisms. They are primarily proteins, although some can be RNA molecules.

2. **Factors Affecting Enzyme Activity**: Enzymes have specific conditions under which they function optimally. Two of the most important factors are temperature and pH.

3. **Temperature and Enzyme Activity**:
- Enzymes typically have a narrow range of temperatures in which they are active.
- If the temperature deviates significantly from this range, the enzyme's activity can decrease sharply.
- Experimental data suggests that for every 10 degrees Celsius increase in temperature, the activity of the enzyme can be halved.

4. **pH and Enzyme Activity**:
- Similar to temperature, enzymes also function optimally within a narrow range of pH levels.
- Changes in pH can lead to denaturation of the enzyme or changes in its active site, affecting its ability to catalyze reactions.

5. **Conclusion**: Based on the understanding of enzyme activity in relation to temperature and pH, we can conclude that enzymes generally function in a narrow range of both temperature and pH.

6. **Correct Answer**: Therefore, the correct answer to the question is option D: Enzymes function in a narrow range of temperature and pH.

---