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Multiple Choice
Which biological catalyst lowers the activation energy of a reaction?
A
Hormone
B
Lipid
C
Vitamin
D
Enzyme
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the concept of a biological catalyst. A biological catalyst is a substance that speeds up a chemical reaction in living organisms without being consumed in the process. These catalysts are essential for maintaining life processes.
Step 2: Recall the role of enzymes in biology. Enzymes are specialized proteins that act as biological catalysts. They lower the activation energy required for a reaction to occur, making the reaction proceed faster.
Step 3: Differentiate enzymes from other biological molecules listed in the options. Hormones are signaling molecules, lipids are structural and energy-storage molecules, and vitamins are organic compounds that assist in metabolic processes but are not catalysts themselves.
Step 4: Recognize that enzymes are the correct answer because they specifically function to lower the activation energy of reactions, unlike hormones, lipids, or vitamins.
Step 5: Conclude that enzymes are the biological catalysts responsible for lowering the activation energy of reactions, enabling vital biochemical processes to occur efficiently in living organisms.