What effect do enzymes have on the $\mathrm{activation energy}$ of a chemical reaction?

• A. Enzymes have no effect on the $\mathrm{activation energy}$ of a reaction.
• B. Enzymes increase the $\mathrm{activation energy}$ required for a reaction.
• C. Enzymes convert $\mathrm{activation energy}$ into $\mathrm{kinetic energy}$.
• D. Enzymes decrease the $\mathrm{activation energy}$ required for a reaction.

Answer: (D)

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 represents the energy barrier that must be overcome for reactants to transform into products.
2. Learn about enzymes: Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process. They are typically proteins that facilitate reactions by lowering the activation energy.
3. Explore how enzymes affect activation energy: Enzymes work by stabilizing the transition state of a reaction, which effectively lowers the activation energy needed for the reaction to proceed. This allows the reaction to occur more easily and at a faster rate.
4. Visualize the effect of enzymes on a reaction: Imagine a reaction energy diagram where the reactants must climb over an energy hill (activation energy) to become products. Enzymes lower the height of this hill, making it easier for the reactants to reach the product state.
5. Recognize the significance of enzyme action: By decreasing the activation energy, enzymes increase the rate of reaction, allowing biological processes to occur efficiently at the temperatures and conditions present in living organisms.