How does an enzyme influence a chemical reaction?

• A. It changes the reaction's overall free energy change ($\Delta G$) so the reaction becomes thermodynamically favorable even if it was unfavorable before.
• B. It lowers the activation energy by stabilizing the transition state, increasing the reaction rate without changing the overall free energy change ($\Delta G$) or equilibrium constant.
• C. It shifts the equilibrium constant by binding substrates and permanently converting them into products.
• D. It increases the activation energy so that the reaction proceeds more slowly and produces more product at equilibrium.

Answer: (B)