Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements is false with respect to an enzyme's ability to catalyze a reaction?
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6. Enzymes and Enzyme Kinetics
Activation Energy
Multiple Choice
In the context of activation energy, an enzyme speeds up a reaction primarily by which mechanism?
A
Increasing the temperature of the reacting molecules to raise the fraction of molecules above
B
Increasing the overall Gibbs free energy change (ΔG) of the reaction to make it more favorable
C
Lowering the activation energy by stabilizing the transition state through specific binding interactions
D
Shifting the reaction equilibrium constant () to favor product formation
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that activation energy (E_a) is the energy barrier that must be overcome for a reaction to proceed.
Recognize that enzymes do not increase temperature or change the overall Gibbs free energy change (ΔG) of the reaction; ΔG determines reaction spontaneity but is unaffected by enzymes.
Recall that enzymes speed up reactions by lowering the activation energy, which increases the rate at which reactants convert to products.
Focus on the mechanism by which enzymes lower activation energy: they stabilize the transition state through specific binding interactions, making it easier for the reaction to proceed.
Note that enzymes do not shift the equilibrium constant (K); they only help the system reach equilibrium faster by accelerating both forward and reverse reactions.
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