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Multiple Choice
Why are enzymes necessary for many cellular reactions?
A
They increase the activation energy required for reactions.
B
They provide an alternative reaction pathway with lower activation energy.
C
They are consumed in the reactions they catalyze.
D
They change the equilibrium position of reactions.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of enzymes: Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in cells without being consumed in the process.
Explore the concept of activation energy: Activation energy is the minimum energy required for a chemical reaction to occur. Enzymes lower this energy barrier, making reactions proceed faster.
Learn about alternative reaction pathways: Enzymes provide an alternative pathway for the reaction with a lower activation energy, which increases the rate of the reaction.
Clarify the misconception about equilibrium: Enzymes do not change the equilibrium position of reactions; they only speed up the rate at which equilibrium is reached.
Recognize the importance of enzymes in cellular reactions: By lowering activation energy, enzymes allow cellular reactions to occur at a rate necessary for life processes, which would otherwise be too slow.