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Multiple Choice
In the context of organic chemistry, why are enzymes crucial for chemical reactions in living organisms?
A
Enzymes provide energy to drive reactions forward.
B
Enzymes slow down the rate of chemical reactions.
C
Enzymes increase the activation energy required for reactions.
D
Enzymes decrease the activation energy required for reactions.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Begin by understanding the role of enzymes in biological systems. Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process.
Recognize that enzymes work by lowering the activation energy of a reaction. Activation energy is the minimum energy required for reactants to undergo a chemical transformation.
Consider the impact of lowering activation energy. By decreasing the activation energy, enzymes make it easier for reactions to occur, thus increasing the rate at which they proceed.
Explore the mechanism of enzyme action. Enzymes bind to substrates (reactants) and stabilize the transition state, which reduces the energy barrier for the reaction.
Reflect on the importance of enzymes in living organisms. Enzymes enable vital biochemical reactions to occur at a rate sufficient to sustain life, facilitating processes such as metabolism, DNA replication, and cellular respiration.