At a temperature just below the freezing point, the enzyme

Options

A. Is slightly activated
B. Is destroyed
C. Is inactivated
D. Is unaffected

Explanation

To answer the question, "At a temperature just below the freezing point, the enzyme is:", we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Enzyme Structure**: Enzymes are proteins made up of amino acids linked by peptide bonds. Their three-dimensional structure is crucial for their function.

2. **Effect of Temperature on Enzymes**: Enzymes are sensitive to temperature changes. High temperatures can lead to denaturation, where the enzyme's structure is altered, rendering it inactive. Conversely, low temperatures can also affect enzyme activity.

3. **Temperature Just Below Freezing Point**: The freezing point of water is 0 degrees Celsius. When we refer to temperatures just below this point (e.g., -1 degree Celsius), we need to consider how enzymes behave in such conditions.

4. **Inactivation of Enzymes**: At temperatures just below freezing, enzymes do not denature immediately. Instead, they become inactivated. This means that while their structure remains intact, their activity is temporarily halted.

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, at a temperature just below the freezing point, the correct answer is that the enzyme is **inactivated**. It does not show any enzymatic activity but can regain its function once the temperature rises back to a more favorable range.

### Final Answer:
The enzyme is **inactivated** at a temperature just below the freezing point.

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