Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the energy of activation for a reaction?
6. Enzymes and Enzyme Kinetics
Activation Energy
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How do enzymes affect the activation energy of a chemical reaction?
A
They eliminate the need for activation energy entirely.
B
They increase the activation energy required for the reaction to proceed.
C
They do not affect the activation energy of the reaction.
D
They lower the activation energy required for the reaction to proceed.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of activation energy: Activation energy is the minimum amount of energy required for reactants to transform into products during a chemical reaction. It acts as a barrier that must be overcome for the reaction to proceed.
Learn the role of enzymes: Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process. They achieve this by interacting with the reactants (substrates) to stabilize the transition state.
Explore how enzymes lower activation energy: Enzymes provide an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy. This is achieved by binding to substrates at their active site and facilitating the formation of the transition state more efficiently.
Visualize the energy profile: In a reaction without an enzyme, the energy required to reach the transition state is higher. When an enzyme is present, the energy peak is reduced, making it easier for the reaction to proceed. This does not eliminate the need for activation energy but lowers it significantly.
Understand the implications: By lowering the activation energy, enzymes increase the rate of the reaction, allowing biological processes to occur rapidly and efficiently under mild conditions, such as normal body temperature.
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Activation Energy practice set
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