Why are enzymes referred to as catalysts in biochemical reactions?

• A. They are consumed in the reaction and need to be replenished.
• B. They increase the activation energy required for reactions.
• C. They speed up reactions without being consumed.
• D. They change the equilibrium position of reactions.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of a catalyst: A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process.
2. Recognize that enzymes are biological catalysts: Enzymes are proteins that act as catalysts in biochemical reactions, facilitating the conversion of substrates into products.
3. Identify the effect of enzymes on activation energy: Enzymes lower the activation energy required for a reaction to proceed, thereby increasing the reaction rate.
4. Clarify that enzymes do not alter the equilibrium position: While enzymes speed up the rate at which equilibrium is reached, they do not change the position of the equilibrium itself.
5. Conclude that enzymes are not consumed: Enzymes remain unchanged after the reaction, allowing them to catalyze multiple reactions without needing to be replenished.