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Multiple Choice
What effect do enzymes have on the activation energy of a chemical reaction?
A
Enzymes have no effect on the activation energy.
B
Enzymes increase the activation energy.
C
Enzymes decrease the activation energy.
D
Enzymes convert activation energy into kinetic energy.
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 must be overcome for reactants to transform into products.
Learn about enzymes: Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in living organisms. They are proteins that have specific active sites where substrates bind.
Explore how enzymes affect activation energy: Enzymes lower the activation energy of a reaction, making it easier for the reaction to proceed. They do this by stabilizing the transition state and providing an alternative reaction pathway.
Visualize the effect: Imagine a graph of a reaction's energy profile. Without an enzyme, the activation energy is represented by a high peak. With an enzyme, this peak is lowered, indicating reduced activation energy.
Consider the implications: By decreasing the activation energy, enzymes increase the rate of reaction, allowing biological processes to occur efficiently at moderate temperatures.