Multiple Choice
Which of the following best explains why an apoenzyme that loses its coenzyme subunit becomes non-functional?
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6. Enzymes and Enzyme Kinetics
Enzymes
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Which of the following best explains how the addition of an enzyme would affect the above reaction?
A
It would make the reaction non-spontaneous.
B
It would lower the activation energy, increasing the reaction rate.
C
It would shift the equilibrium position toward the products.
D
It would increase the overall free energy change (\( \Delta G \)) of the reaction.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the role of enzymes in biochemical reactions: Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up reactions by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to proceed. They do not alter the equilibrium position or the overall free energy change (
abla G).
Clarify the concept of activation energy: Activation energy is the energy barrier that must be overcome for reactants to be converted into products. Enzymes reduce this barrier, allowing the reaction to occur more quickly.
Examine the effect of enzymes on reaction spontaneity: Enzymes do not make a reaction non-spontaneous or spontaneous. The spontaneity of a reaction is determined by the Gibbs free energy change (
abla G), which remains unchanged by the presence of an enzyme.
Analyze the equilibrium position: Enzymes accelerate the rate at which equilibrium is reached but do not shift the equilibrium position toward products or reactants. The equilibrium constant (
abla K) is determined by the thermodynamics of the reaction, not the enzyme.
Conclude the correct explanation: The addition of an enzyme lowers the activation energy, thereby increasing the reaction rate without affecting the equilibrium position or the overall free energy change (
abla G).
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