Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
How does an enzyme work to catalyze a reaction?
A
By providing additional reactants to the reaction
B
By permanently binding to the substrate and becoming part of the product
C
By increasing the temperature of the reaction environment
D
By lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to proceed
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of enzymes: Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical 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 amount of energy required for reactants to transform into products. Enzymes reduce this energy barrier, making it easier for the reaction to occur.
Explain the mechanism: Enzymes bind to substrates (reactants) at their active site, forming an enzyme-substrate complex. This stabilizes the transition state and reduces the energy needed for the reaction.
Clarify why other options are incorrect: Enzymes do not provide additional reactants, permanently bind to substrates, or increase the temperature of the reaction environment. Instead, they facilitate the reaction by lowering activation energy.
Summarize the correct answer: The correct explanation is that enzymes catalyze reactions by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to proceed, making the process faster and more efficient.