School Improvement in Maryland

ASSESSMENT ITEMS
 
Selected Response Items (SRs)

 

1. Measures CLGs 3.1.2, 3.2.2
Which of these factors would cause a decrease in the enzyme activity of bacteria that live in hot springs where the temperature is 95°C and the normal pH is between 2 and 4?
  1. introducing the enzyme sucrase into the hot spring
  2. placing the bacteria into an environment of pH 3
  3. moving the bacteria to a temperature of 37°C
  4. agitating the water in the hot springs
Correct Response: C

 
2. Measures CLGs 1.7.1, 3.1.1
Many people lack the enzyme that allows them to digest lactose, a sugar that is found in dairy products. These people are referred to as “lactose-intolerant.” The enzyme that will allow them to digest lactose is
  1. amylase
  2. galactase
  3. lactase
  4. protease
Correct Response: C

 
Brief Constructed Response Items (BCRs)

 
1. Measures CLGs 1.2.5, 1.5.1, 3.1.2, 3.2.2
A change in temperature from 37°C to 45°C would affect the activity of catalase, a common enzyme found in liver.
  • Describe how the structure of the enzyme would be affected
  • Describe how the function of the enzyme would be affected

Answer Cues:Students should discuss the idea that if this increase in temperature were to occur, the enzyme would be denatured thus rendering it inactive. The 3-D structure of the enzyme would be changed. Students may also say that the shape of the active site would be changed. They may also relate this to the lock and key activity completed in the Engagement section where the shape of the key determines its fit into the lock.
 
2. Measures CLGs 1.4.8, 1.5.1, 3.1.1
Construct a possible model for the enzyme that could break down Molecule A drawn below. Describe why this same enzyme cannot break down Molecule B.

cross
 
hexagon
Molecule A Molecule B

Answer Cues:Students should sketch a an enzyme that “fits” the given model of Molecule A. Students should also discuss why this enzyme cannot break down Molecule B. This explanation should discuss the specificity of enzymes, a certain enzyme can only bind to a specific substrate.
 
Extended Constructed Response Item (ECR)

 
1. Measures CLGs 1.4.1, 1.4.2, 1.5.2, 3.1.1, 3.1.2
Enzymes function in a narrow range of pH.
  • Describe the effect of a change in pH on the activity of a particular enzyme.
  • Construct a graph which shows the expected change in activity.
    Be sure to include all of the elements specified on the “Scoring Criteria for Graphs” sheet.

Answer Cues:The graph should be appropriately labeled and the line should show a drop in enzyme activity as the pH changes. The description should explain the idea that a change in pH will denature the enzyme resulting in decreased enzymatic activity. The enzyme activity curve should be placed over the appropriate pH values on the X-axis.

return.