Researchers investigated the influence of environmental pH on the activity of peroxidase, an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen gas. In an experiment, the researchers added a hydrogen peroxide solution containing guaiacol to several identical test tubes and adjusted the solution in each test tube to a different pH . The researchers included the guaiacol because it caused the solutions to change color as the reactions proceeded, which the researchers relied on for measuring reaction rates. Finally, the researchers added the same amount of peroxidase to each test tube and measured the rate of each reaction at 23°C . The results of the experiment are represented in Figure 1.
Based on Figure 1, which of the following statements best predicts the effect that a change from a moderately acidic environment ( pH near 6) to a basic environment will have on peroxidase activity?
O Peroxidase activity will decrease.
O Peroxidase activity will increase.
O Peroxidase activity will stay the same.
O Peroxidase activity will increase at first and then decrease.
