Hydrostatic pressures of greater than 200 atm generally do what?

Hydrostatic pressures exceeding 200 atm typically lead to the inactivation of enzymes and the disruption of cell membranes and transport mechanisms within cells. At such high pressures, the physical forces can alter the molecular structure of enzymes, affecting their active sites and impairing their ability to catalyze reactions effectively. Additionally, the increased pressure can affect lipid bilayers that make up cell membranes, causing them to become less fluid and more susceptible to damage. This disruption can interfere with cellular transport processes, further compromising the cell’s homeostasis and overall function. Therefore, the consequences of high hydrostatic pressures are significant, often resulting in inactivation of essential enzymes and disturbances in membrane integrity.