How is an enzyme able to speed up a chemical reaction?

• A. By lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to proceed
• B. By providing additional reactants to the reaction
• C. By increasing the temperature of the reaction environment
• D. By permanently binding to the substrate and preventing product formation

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of enzymes in biochemical reactions: Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process.
2. Learn the concept of activation energy: Activation energy is the minimum energy required for a chemical reaction to occur. Enzymes work by lowering this energy barrier, making it easier for the reaction to proceed.
3. Explore how enzymes interact with substrates: Enzymes bind to specific substrates at their active site, forming an enzyme-substrate complex. This interaction stabilizes the transition state and reduces the activation energy.
4. Clarify why enzymes do not provide additional reactants or increase temperature: Enzymes do not add reactants to the reaction or increase the temperature; they work by facilitating the reaction under existing conditions.
5. Understand why enzymes do not permanently bind to substrates: Enzymes release the product after the reaction is complete, allowing them to catalyze additional reactions. Permanent binding would prevent the enzyme from functioning effectively.