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Multiple Choice
How do enzymes catalyze biological reactions?
A
By changing the equilibrium position of the reaction
B
By lowering the activation energy of the reaction
C
By providing additional reactants to the reaction
D
By increasing the temperature of the reaction
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of enzymes: Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process. They achieve this by providing an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy.
Define activation energy: Activation energy is the minimum energy required for a chemical reaction to occur. Enzymes lower this energy barrier, allowing the reaction to proceed more quickly.
Explore the concept of equilibrium: Enzymes do not change the equilibrium position of a reaction. They only affect the rate at which equilibrium is reached by lowering the activation energy.
Consider the effect of temperature: While increasing temperature can increase reaction rates, enzymes do not catalyze reactions by increasing temperature. Instead, they function optimally at specific temperatures and can be denatured if the temperature is too high.
Clarify the role of reactants: Enzymes do not provide additional reactants to a reaction. They work by binding to substrates (reactants) and stabilizing the transition state, thus lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to proceed.