Exam Questions

Question 1

Asparaginase is an enzyme used in the treatment of some cancers.
Asparaginase breaks down asparagine, an amino acid needed by tumour cells to make proteins.
Explain how the structure of asparaginase enables it to break down asparagine.

Answer 1

Any 3 from:
tertiary structure gives specific shape of
active site (1)
asparagine has complementary shape to
active site (1)
enzyme-substrate complex can be formed
(1)
lowers activation energy (1)

Question 1

Suggest why enzymes such as asparaginase must be modified before being injected into the bloodstream.

Answer 1

Any 1 from:
acts as antigen (1)
destroyed by cell’s immune system (1)