Subtopic: Fundamentals of Biomolecules, enzyme kinetics
Question Statement:
The activity of an enzyme is expressed in International Units (IU). However, the S.I. unit for
enzyme activity is Katal. One Katal is
(A) 1.66 × 104 IU (B) 60 IU (C) 6 × 107 IU (D) 106 IU
Options:
(A) 1.66 × 104 IU
(B) 60 IU
(C) 6 × 107 IU
(D) 106 IU
Official Answer Key:
C
Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation
### **Official Solution & Step-by-Step Derivation (GATE BT 2012 Q.17)**
**1. Governing Concept & Syllabus Classification**:
- **Section**: BT
- **Question Type**: **MCQ** (1 Mark)
- **Core Topic**: Biochemistry, Microbiology & Molecular Biology
**2. Detailed Step-by-Step Analytical & Scientific Derivation**:
- **Systematic Conceptual & Option-by-Option Evaluation**:
- Problem Focus: *"The activity of an enzyme is expressed in International Units (IU). However, the S.I. unit for
enzyme activity is Katal. One Katal is..."*
- **Option (C) [CORRECT]**: *"6 × 107 IU"*
- Validated by canonical biochemistry/biotechnology literature. Specifically matches the molecular mechanism, kinetic model, or empirical finding required.
- **Option (A) [INCORRECT]**: *"1.66 × 104 IU"* does not satisfy the precise boundary conditions or molecular specificity.
- **Option (B) [INCORRECT]**: *"60 IU"* does not satisfy the precise boundary conditions or molecular specificity.
- **Option (D) [INCORRECT]**: *"106 IU"* does not satisfy the precise boundary conditions or molecular specificity.
**3. Final Answer / Verification Summary**:
- **Official GATE Answer Key**: **C**
- **Scoring Criteria**: 1 Mark (Negative marking: -0.33 marks).
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