Multiple Choice
Which of the following is a key feature of enzymes that allows them to act as effective biological catalysts?
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6. Enzymes and Enzyme Kinetics
Enzymes
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What is the primary advantage of using an enzyme in a biochemical reaction?
A
It makes the reaction irreversible.
B
It increases the equilibrium constant of the reaction.
C
It lowers the activation energy required for the reaction.
D
It changes 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 without being consumed in the process.
Recall the concept of activation energy: Activation energy is the energy barrier that must be overcome for a reaction to proceed. Enzymes lower this barrier, making it easier for the reaction to occur.
Clarify that enzymes do not make reactions irreversible: Enzymes only affect the rate of the reaction, not its direction or reversibility.
Note that enzymes do not change the equilibrium constant or the overall free energy change (
): These properties are determined by the thermodynamics of the reaction and remain unchanged by the presence of an enzyme.
Conclude that the primary advantage of using an enzyme is its ability to lower the activation energy, thereby increasing the reaction rate without altering the reaction's thermodynamic properties.
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