Multiple Choice
Which of the following best explains how the addition of an enzyme would affect the above reaction?
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6. Enzymes and Enzyme Kinetics
Enzymes
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Which statement explains how an enzyme acts as a catalyst to increase the speed of a reaction?
A
An enzyme permanently binds to the substrate, preventing the reaction from reversing.
B
An enzyme increases the overall free energy change (9;\Delta G\u00039;) of the reaction.
C
An enzyme alters the equilibrium position of the reaction in favor of product formation.
D
An enzyme lowers the activation energy required for the reaction to proceed.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the role of enzymes as biological catalysts: Enzymes are proteins that speed up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process. They achieve this by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur.
Clarify the concept of activation energy: Activation energy is the minimum energy required for reactants to transform into products. By lowering this energy barrier, enzymes make it easier for the reaction to proceed at a faster rate.
Explain why enzymes do not alter the equilibrium position: Enzymes accelerate the rate at which equilibrium is reached but do not change the equilibrium constant or favor product formation. The equilibrium position is determined by the thermodynamics of the reaction, not the enzyme.
Discuss why enzymes do not permanently bind to substrates: Enzymes bind temporarily to substrates at their active site, forming an enzyme-substrate complex. After the reaction occurs, the enzyme releases the product and is free to catalyze another reaction.
Highlight why enzymes do not affect the overall free energy change (ΔG): The free energy change of a reaction is a thermodynamic property that remains constant regardless of the presence of an enzyme. Enzymes only affect the rate of the reaction, not the energy difference between reactants and products.
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