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Multiple Choice
How do enzymes speed up a chemical reaction?
A
By changing the equilibrium position of the reaction
B
By providing additional reactants for the reaction
C
By increasing the temperature of the reaction
D
By lowering the activation energy required for the 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 enzymes do not change the equilibrium position of a reaction; they only help the reaction reach equilibrium faster.
Note that enzymes do not provide additional reactants or increase the temperature of the reaction. Instead, they work by lowering the activation energy.
Activation energy is the minimum energy required for a reaction to occur. Enzymes lower this energy barrier, allowing more reactant molecules to have enough energy to undergo the reaction.
Enzymes achieve this by stabilizing the transition state, which reduces the energy required to convert reactants into products, thus speeding up the reaction.