Multiple Choice
How are enzymes able to speed up biochemical reactions?
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6. Enzymes and Enzyme Kinetics
Enzymes
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Which of the following is a key feature of enzymes that allows them to act as effective biological catalysts?
A
They lower the activation energy of biochemical reactions.
B
They permanently alter the equilibrium position of reactions.
C
They increase the free energy change (\(\Delta G\)) of the reaction.
D
They are consumed during 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.
Clarify the concept of activation energy: Activation energy is the energy barrier that must be overcome for reactants to be converted into products. Enzymes stabilize the transition state, making it easier for the reaction to occur.
Examine the equilibrium position: Enzymes do not permanently alter the equilibrium position of a reaction. They only speed up the rate at which equilibrium is reached, but the equilibrium constant remains unchanged.
Discuss the free energy change (
): Enzymes do not affect the free energy change of a reaction. The value of
is determined by the nature of the reactants and products, not by the presence of an enzyme.
Address the consumption of enzymes: Enzymes are not consumed during the reaction. They remain unchanged and can be reused for multiple reaction cycles, which is a key feature of their catalytic activity.
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