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Multiple Choice
Which of the following substances act as catalysts in the body?
A
Hormones
B
Vitamins
C
Minerals
D
Enzymes
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of catalysts: Catalysts are substances that increase the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process. In the body, catalysts are crucial for facilitating biochemical reactions efficiently.
Identify the function of enzymes: Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up reactions in the body. They are proteins that bind to substrates and lower the activation energy required for reactions, making them proceed faster.
Differentiate between enzymes and other substances: Hormones, vitamins, and minerals have distinct roles in the body. Hormones are signaling molecules, vitamins are organic compounds necessary for various functions, and minerals are inorganic elements that support bodily processes. None of these act as catalysts.
Recognize the specificity of enzymes: Enzymes are highly specific to the reactions they catalyze, often working on particular substrates to produce specific products. This specificity is due to their unique active sites.
Conclude that enzymes are the body's catalysts: Based on their ability to accelerate reactions without being consumed, enzymes are the substances that act as catalysts in the body, unlike hormones, vitamins, or minerals.