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Thinking Critically
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The data below were obtained by a number of Nobel-prize-winning scientists from Lower Slobovia. As a member of the group, interpret the data with respect to the following:

  1. Enzyme activities
  2. Movement of substrates into and out of the cell
  3. Competition among different enzymes for the same substrate
  4. Cell structure

Data:

  1. A lowering of the atmospheric temperature from 22°C to 18°C causes organisms to form a thick protective coat.
  2. Below 18°C, no additional coat material is produced.
  3. If the cell is heated to 35°C and then cooled to 18°C, no coat is produced.
  4. The coat consists of a complex carbohydrate.
  5. The coat will form even if there is a low concentration of simple sugars in the surroundings.
If the cell needs energy for growth, no cell coats are produced at any temperature.

Set up a table with each of the items numbered 1-4. In each cell of the table, comment on each piece of data. How do enzymes react to temperature decreases? What kind of a temperature decrease might be needed in order to stop enzyme action completely? How do enzymes react to temperature increases? What kind of a temperature increase might be needed in order to stop enzyme action completely? How might a change in temperature affect a carbohydrate versus other types of macromolecules? What type of membrane transport might be operating here? What forms of transport require the expenditure of energy?








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