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Multiple Choice
How do enzymes lower the activation energy of a reaction?
A
By increasing the concentration of reactants
B
By changing the equilibrium position of the reaction
C
By providing an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy
D
By increasing the temperature of the reaction
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of activation energy: Activation energy is the minimum energy required for a chemical reaction to occur. It is the energy barrier that reactants must overcome to transform into products.
Learn about enzymes: Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process. They are highly specific to the reactions they catalyze.
Explore how enzymes affect activation energy: Enzymes lower the activation energy by providing an alternative reaction pathway. This pathway requires less energy for the reactants to be converted into products.
Recognize the role of enzyme-substrate complex: Enzymes bind to substrates (reactants) to form an enzyme-substrate complex. This complex stabilizes the transition state, reducing the energy needed to reach it.
Understand the impact on reaction rate: By lowering the activation energy, enzymes increase the rate of the reaction, allowing it to proceed faster under the same conditions.