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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements about enzyme function is correct?
A
Enzymes can greatly speed up reactions, but they cannot change the net energy output because they cannot change the activation energy.
B
Enzymes can change the equilibrium point of reactions, but they cannot speed up reactions because they cannot change the net energy output.
C
Enzymes can greatly speed up reactions, but they cannot change the activation energy because they cannot change the net energy output.
D
None of the listed responses is correct.
E
Enzymes can lower the activation energy of reactions, but they cannot change the equilibrium point because they cannot change the net energy output.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of enzymes: Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in cells by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to proceed.
Clarify the concept of activation energy: Activation energy is the minimum amount of energy needed to start a chemical reaction. Enzymes lower this energy barrier, allowing reactions to occur more easily and quickly.
Examine the effect of enzymes on reaction speed: By lowering the activation energy, enzymes increase the rate at which reactions occur, but they do not alter the overall energy change (net energy output) of the reaction.
Consider the equilibrium point: Enzymes do not change the equilibrium point of a reaction. The equilibrium point is determined by the relative energies of the reactants and products, which remain unchanged by the presence of an enzyme.
Conclude with the correct statement: Enzymes can lower the activation energy of reactions, thereby speeding them up, but they cannot change the equilibrium point or the net energy output of the reaction.