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Multiple Choice
What effects does an enzyme have on the following general reaction?$$A + B \rightarrow C + D$$
A
It increases the equilibrium constant (K_{eq}) of the reaction.
B
It lowers the activation energy of the reaction.
C
It makes the reaction irreversible.
D
It changes the overall free energy change (\Delta G) of the 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 equilibrium constant (K_eq) or the overall free energy change (ΔG) of the reaction.
Analyze the equilibrium constant (K_eq): Enzymes do not change the equilibrium constant of a reaction. The equilibrium constant is determined by the ratio of the concentrations of products to reactants at equilibrium and is dependent on the thermodynamic properties of the reaction, not the presence of an enzyme.
Examine the activation energy: Enzymes lower the activation energy of a reaction, which allows the reaction to proceed more quickly. This is achieved by stabilizing the transition state and providing an alternative reaction pathway.
Consider the irreversibility of the reaction: Enzymes do not make a reaction irreversible. The reversibility of a reaction is determined by the thermodynamics of the system, not the enzyme itself.
Evaluate the overall free energy change (ΔG): Enzymes do not change the overall free energy change of a reaction. ΔG is a thermodynamic property that depends on the initial and final states of the reactants and products, and enzymes only affect the rate at which equilibrium is reached.