Figure 6.3 In the Accompanying Figure, Why Does the Curve Sharply Drop

Multiple Choice

Figure 6.3
In the accompanying figure, why does the curve sharply drop after approximately 45°C instead of mirroring the slope of the line going from 0-40°C?

A) At high temperatures, the reactions proceed so quickly that enzymes are no longer helpful or required.
B) This is true of all catalysts and is not due to any special features of enzymes.
C) The kinetic energy of the reactants is so great that it destabilizes the enzyme and diminishes the enzyme's activity.
D) The kinetic energy of the reactants is lower than that of the products, forcing a change in enzyme activity.
E) The enzyme begins to denature above a certain temperature, eliminating all catalytic activity of the protein.