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Multiple Choice
What is the relationship between enzymes and activation energy in a chemical reaction?
A
Enzymes decrease the activation energy required for a reaction.
B
Enzymes convert activation energy into kinetic energy.
C
Enzymes increase the activation energy required for a reaction.
D
Enzymes have no effect on the activation energy of a reaction.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Begin by understanding the concept of activation energy. Activation energy is the minimum amount of energy required for a chemical reaction to occur. It is the energy barrier that must be overcome for reactants to transform into products.
Next, explore the role of enzymes in chemical reactions. Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up reactions by lowering the activation energy needed. They achieve this by providing an alternative reaction pathway with a lower energy barrier.
Consider the effect of enzymes on the rate of reaction. By decreasing the activation energy, enzymes increase the rate at which the reaction occurs, allowing it to proceed more quickly and efficiently under physiological conditions.
Examine how enzymes interact with substrates. Enzymes bind to substrates at their active sites, stabilizing the transition state and reducing the energy required to reach it. This stabilization is key to lowering the activation energy.
Finally, review the options provided in the problem. The correct relationship between enzymes and activation energy is that enzymes decrease the activation energy required for a reaction, facilitating the conversion of reactants to products.