Why is it important for plants to “hold enzymes in their functional shapes”

The plants usually lose water through stomata present in their leaves. The water loss generally takes place at the time of daylight and when plants are exposed to the Sun. This loss of water, known as transpiration, is both essential and harmful for plants.

A leaf may lose more water each day in comparison to its own weight. Transpiration also reduces the internal temperature of the leaf as water evaporates. On hot days, the temperatures in the leaves may be between three to fifteen degrees cooler in comparison to the outside air.

It has been found that various plants exhibit heat shock proteins as a mechanism to hold the enzymes in their functional shapes in the case when the temperature of the leaf rises.

It is essential for the plants to hold their enzymes in their functional shapes because if the shape of an enzyme varies, it may not function adequately or it may function distinctly. The essential activities may get stop or slow down. The shape of an enzyme signifies its function.