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Multiple Choice
How do enzymes lower activation energy?
A
By increasing reactivity of products
B
By harnessing heat energy to drive the breakage of bonds between atoms
C
The first two responses are correct.
D
The second and third choices are correct.
E
By locally concentrating the reactants
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of activation energy: Activation energy is the minimum amount of energy required for a chemical reaction to occur. Enzymes lower this energy barrier, making it easier for reactions to proceed.
Recognize the role of enzymes: Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up reactions without being consumed. They achieve this by providing an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy.
Explore how enzymes concentrate reactants: Enzymes have specific active sites where reactants, known as substrates, bind. This local concentration of substrates increases the likelihood of interactions, facilitating the reaction.
Consider the enzyme-substrate complex: When substrates bind to the enzyme's active site, they form an enzyme-substrate complex. This complex stabilizes the transition state, reducing the activation energy needed for the reaction.
Visualize the effect on activation energy: Enzymes do not change the overall energy of reactants or products; they simply lower the activation energy required for the reaction to proceed, making it faster and more efficient.