Question

Catecholase is an enzyme found in potatoes. This enzyme works to turn the catechol in the potato to benzoquinone. Benzoquinone is a reddish brown color. Based on this information, read the following prompt and answer the question. A freshly cut potato turns brown when left standing. Why do mashed potatoes stay white? (Choose all that apply)

The catecholase in the fresh potato turned catechol into benzoquinone

The catecholase in the fresh potato became denatured and as a result was not able to turn catechol into benzoquinone

The catecholase in the mashed potato became denatured and as a result was not able to turn catechol into benzoquinone

The catecholase in the mashed potato turned catechol into benzoquinone

The catecholase in the fresh potato was able to lower the activation energy of the chemical reaction

The catecholase in the mashed potato was able to lower the activation energy of the chemical reaction

Answer 1

A freshly cut potato turns brown when left standing. Why do mashed potatoes stay white? (Choose all that apply)

1) The catecholase in the mashed potato became denatured and as a result was not able to turn catechol into benzoquinone.

Mashing the potato denatures the catecholase enzymes thereby the enzyme loses it activity and unable to convert the catechol into benzoquinone (brown). This way mashed potatoes stay white.

2) The catecholase in the fresh potato was able to lower the activation energy of the chemical reaction.

All enzymes carry out their reaction by reducing the activation energy of the reactions. This way the reaction is favorable in the forward direction. The catecholase in the fresh potato is active that is why it carries out its reaction (catechole to benzoquinone) by reducing the activation energy required for it.

Whereas in the mashed potato, enzyme loses its activity thereby unable to reduce the activation energy required for the reaction (catechole to benzoquinone).