Which factor would likely lower enzyme activity?

Extreme pH levels can significantly lower enzyme activity because each enzyme has an optimal pH range in which it functions best. When the pH deviates too far from this optimal range, the enzyme's structure can become altered—a phenomenon known as denaturation. This structural change can disrupt the enzyme's active site, hindering its ability to bind with substrates and catalyze reactions effectively. As a result, the enzyme's activity decreases.

Maintaining proper pH conditions is critical for enzymatic function, as it influences the ionization of amino acid side chains, affecting substrate binding and the overall reaction rate. Hence, extreme pH can inhibit enzyme activity by altering both structure and function.