Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
What is the primary function of an enzyme in a catalytic process?
A
To decrease the activation energy of a reaction
B
To increase the activation energy of a reaction
C
To provide energy for the reaction to occur
D
To change the equilibrium position of a reaction
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process.
Recognize that the primary function of an enzyme is to lower the activation energy of a reaction, which is the energy barrier that must be overcome for a reaction to proceed.
Consider that by decreasing the activation energy, enzymes increase the rate at which the reaction occurs, allowing it to proceed more quickly under the same conditions.
Note that enzymes do not change the equilibrium position of a reaction; they only affect the rate at which equilibrium is reached.
Remember that enzymes do not provide energy for the reaction nor do they increase the activation energy; their role is to facilitate the reaction by lowering the energy barrier.