Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
How does an enzyme speed up a chemical reaction?
A
By increasing the temperature of the reaction environment
B
By providing additional reactant molecules
C
By lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur
D
By changing the equilibrium position of the reaction
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of enzymes in biological systems: Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process.
Learn about activation energy: Activation energy is the minimum energy required for reactants to transform into products in a chemical reaction. Enzymes work by lowering this energy barrier.
Explore how enzymes lower activation energy: Enzymes provide an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy, allowing the reaction to proceed more quickly and efficiently.
Clarify misconceptions: Enzymes do not increase the temperature of the environment, provide additional reactant molecules, or change the equilibrium position of the reaction. They only affect the rate at which equilibrium is reached.
Relate this concept to biological systems: Enzymes are essential for maintaining life processes, as they allow reactions to occur at rates compatible with life under physiological conditions.