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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements is true about the normal functioning of an enzyme?
A
Enzymes increase the equilibrium constant of a reaction.
B
Enzymes can catalyze any reaction regardless of substrate specificity.
C
Enzymes are consumed and permanently altered during the reaction.
D
Enzymes lower the activation energy required for a reaction to occur.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the role of enzymes in biological reactions. Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to proceed. This means they make it easier for reactants to reach the transition state without being consumed or permanently altered.
Step 2: Analyze the first statement: 'Enzymes increase the equilibrium constant of a reaction.' This is incorrect because enzymes do not change the equilibrium constant (Keq) of a reaction. They only speed up the rate at which equilibrium is reached by lowering the activation energy.
Step 3: Analyze the second statement: 'Enzymes can catalyze any reaction regardless of substrate specificity.' This is incorrect because enzymes are highly specific to their substrates. The active site of an enzyme is shaped to fit a specific substrate, much like a lock and key.
Step 4: Analyze the third statement: 'Enzymes are consumed and permanently altered during the reaction.' This is incorrect because enzymes are not consumed or permanently changed during the reaction. They remain intact and can be reused for multiple reaction cycles.
Step 5: Analyze the fourth statement: 'Enzymes lower the activation energy required for a reaction to occur.' This is correct because it accurately describes the primary function of enzymes in facilitating biological reactions. By lowering the activation energy, enzymes allow reactions to occur more efficiently under physiological conditions.