To catalyze a biochemical reaction, an enzyme typically dissociates into additional reactant molecules, thereby increasing the reaction rate. It decomposes and releases energy to increase the number of successful collisions between reactant molecules. It binds temporarily to reactant molecules to lower the activation energy of the reaction. It drives the reaction to completion by effectively removing the byproducts of the reaction.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer:
It binds temporarily to reactant molecules to lower the activation energy of the reaction.
Explanation:
Enzymes are specialized biological catalysts that accelerate the rate of biochemical reactions without being consumed in the process. These proteins function by lowering the activation energy—the minimum energy required for a chemical reaction to occur. By doing so, enzymes make it easier for reactant molecules, also known as substrates, to undergo transformation into products.
The mechanism of enzyme action involves the formation of an enzyme-substrate complex. The substrate binds to a specific region of the enzyme called the active site, which is uniquely shaped to accommodate the substrate. This temporary binding creates a stable environment that facilitates the breaking and forming of chemical bonds, enabling the reaction to proceed more efficiently. Once the reaction occurs, the enzyme releases the newly formed product and remains unchanged, ready to catalyze additional reactions.
The reduction in activation energy results in a higher frequency of successful collisions between reactant molecules, thereby increasing the reaction rate. This process does not require the enzyme to decompose, dissociate, or release energy. Rather, it provides a pathway that requires less input energy from the surrounding environment.
Enzymes do not drive reactions to completion by removing byproducts, nor do they alter the equilibrium point of a chemical reaction. Their role is limited to accelerating the rate at which equilibrium is reached. In living systems, the specificity of enzymes for their substrates ensures precise control over metabolic pathways. Environmental factors such as pH, temperature, and the presence of inhibitors or activators can influence enzyme activity. Overall, the ability of enzymes to temporarily bind to substrates and lower activation energy makes them essential for sustaining life and regulating cellular processes.
