Multiple Choice
Which of the following could not clearly be a contributor to general acid-base catalysis (circle all that apply)?
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6. Enzymes and Enzyme Kinetics
Catalysis
Multiple Choice
In enzyme catalysis, what is the primary effect of an enzyme on a chemical reaction?
A
It changes the reaction equilibrium constant by decreasing the Gibbs free energy change of the overall reaction.
B
It lowers the activation energy by stabilizing the transition state, increasing the reaction rate without changing the reaction equilibrium.
C
It is consumed during the reaction, shifting the equilibrium toward products as enzyme concentration decreases.
D
It increases the activation energy so that only high-energy substrates can react, slowing the reaction rate.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process.
Recall that the equilibrium constant (K) of a reaction depends on the overall Gibbs free energy change (\$\\(\Delta\) G\$) between reactants and products, which enzymes do not alter.
Recognize that enzymes function by lowering the activation energy (\$E_a\$), which is the energy barrier that must be overcome for the reaction to proceed.
Know that enzymes achieve this by stabilizing the transition state, making it easier for reactants to convert into products, thus increasing the reaction rate.
Conclude that while enzymes increase the rate at which equilibrium is reached, they do not change the position of equilibrium or the overall Gibbs free energy change of the reaction.
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