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Multiple Choice
How does an enzyme affect the rate of biological reactions?
A
It has no effect on the reaction rate.
B
It decreases the reaction rate by increasing the activation energy.
C
It increases the reaction rate by providing additional reactants.
D
It increases the reaction rate by lowering the activation energy.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of enzymes in biological reactions: Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process.
Learn about activation energy: Activation energy is the minimum energy required for a chemical reaction to occur. Enzymes work by lowering this energy barrier, making it easier for reactants to convert into products.
Recognize how enzymes interact with substrates: Enzymes bind to specific reactants (called substrates) at their active site, forming an enzyme-substrate complex. This stabilizes the transition state and reduces the activation energy.
Clarify the effect on reaction rate: By lowering the activation energy, enzymes increase the rate of the reaction, allowing it to proceed faster under physiological conditions.
Understand why the other options are incorrect: Enzymes do not provide additional reactants, nor do they increase activation energy or have no effect on reaction rate. Their primary function is to lower activation energy and accelerate the reaction.