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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the primary function of enzymes in biological systems?
A
They store genetic information.
B
They provide energy for cellular processes.
C
They serve as structural components of cell membranes.
D
They speed up chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of enzymes in biological systems: Enzymes are biological catalysts, meaning they help speed up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process.
Recall the concept of activation energy: Activation energy is the minimum amount of energy required for a chemical reaction to occur. Enzymes work by lowering this energy barrier, making reactions proceed more quickly.
Eliminate incorrect options: Enzymes do not store genetic information (this is the role of DNA and RNA), they do not directly provide energy for cellular processes (this is the role of molecules like ATP), and they are not structural components of cell membranes (this is the role of lipids and proteins).
Focus on the correct function: Enzymes facilitate chemical reactions by binding to specific substrates at their active sites, forming an enzyme-substrate complex, and stabilizing the transition state to lower the activation energy.
Conclude that the correct answer is: 'They speed up chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy,' as this best describes the primary function of enzymes in biological systems.