Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements best describes the role of enzymes in biochemical reactions?
A
Enzymes lower the activation energy required for a reaction to occur.
B
Enzymes change the overall free energy (9G) of a reaction.
C
Enzymes are consumed during the reaction and cannot be reused.
D
Enzymes increase the equilibrium constant of a reaction.
Verified step by step guidance
1
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 overall free energy (ΔG) of the reaction.
Clarify the concept of activation energy: Activation energy is the energy barrier that must be overcome for reactants to be converted into products. Enzymes stabilize the transition state, making it easier for the reaction to occur.
Address the misconception about enzyme consumption: Enzymes are not consumed during the reaction. They remain unchanged and can be reused for multiple reaction cycles.
Discuss the equilibrium constant: Enzymes do not change the equilibrium constant of a reaction. They only speed up the rate at which equilibrium is reached, without altering the position of equilibrium.
Conclude with the correct statement: The correct description of the role of enzymes is that they lower the activation energy required for a reaction to occur, facilitating the reaction without being consumed or altering the reaction's thermodynamics.