Multiple Choice
Which class of enzyme is responsible for catalyzing the hydrolysis of starch into maltose?
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6. Enzymes and Enzyme Kinetics
Enzymes
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Which of the following best describes the effect of an enzyme on the rate of a biochemical reaction?
A
An enzyme slows down the reaction by increasing the activation energy.
B
An enzyme increases the rate of the reaction by lowering the activation energy.
C
An enzyme permanently alters the equilibrium of the reaction.
D
An enzyme has no effect on the rate 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. They achieve this by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to proceed.
Define activation energy: Activation energy is the minimum energy required for reactants to transform into products. Enzymes lower this energy barrier, making it easier for the reaction to occur.
Clarify the effect on reaction rate: By lowering the activation energy, enzymes increase the rate of the reaction. This means the reaction occurs faster than it would without the enzyme.
Explain equilibrium: Enzymes do not permanently alter the equilibrium of a reaction. They only help the reaction reach equilibrium faster, but the position of equilibrium remains unchanged.
Eliminate incorrect options: Based on the above explanations, the correct description is 'An enzyme increases the rate of the reaction by lowering the activation energy.' The other options are incorrect because enzymes do not slow down reactions, alter equilibrium permanently, or have no effect on reaction rates.
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