Multiple Choice
Which pancreatic enzyme is primarily responsible for the breakdown of dietary carbohydrates in the small intestine?
20
views
6. Enzymes and Enzyme Kinetics
Enzymes
Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the best description of what an enzyme does?
A
It allows a chemical reaction to proceed extremely fast.
B
It increases the rate at which a chemical reaction reaches equilibrium relative to its uncatalyzed rate.
C
It makes a reaction thermodynamically favorable to allow it to proceed faster.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the role of enzymes: Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process.
Consider the concept of reaction rate: Enzymes increase the rate at which a chemical reaction reaches equilibrium, meaning they help the reaction proceed faster than it would without the enzyme.
Distinguish between thermodynamics and kinetics: Enzymes do not change the thermodynamic favorability of a reaction; they do not alter the equilibrium position or the overall energy change (ΔG) of the reaction.
Focus on the kinetic aspect: Enzymes lower the activation energy required for a reaction to proceed, which increases the reaction rate but does not affect the final equilibrium state.
Summarize the enzyme's function: The best description of an enzyme's role is that it increases the rate at which a chemical reaction reaches equilibrium relative to its uncatalyzed rate, without altering the thermodynamics of the reaction.
Related Videos
Related Practice
