Question

What is the general mechanism of an enzyme?

• A. It acts by reducing the activation energy.
• B. It acts by increasing the activation energy.
• C. It acts by decreasing the pH.
• D. It acts by increasing the pH.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Enzymes function as biological catalysts that accelerate chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to take place.

Step 1: Understanding Enzyme Mechanism - Enzymes lower the activation energy by providing an alternative reaction pathway, making it easier for substrates to transform into products. - This reduction in energy allows reactions to occur faster and with less input of energy, significantly increasing the rate of the reaction. - Enzymes do not alter the overall free energy (ΔG) of the reaction but make the reaction more efficient. 

Step 2: Evaluating the Options - Option (A) - Correct: Enzymes reduce the activation energy, which speeds up the reaction. - Option (B) - Incorrect: Enzymes do not increase activation energy; they reduce it. - Option (C) - Incorrect: Enzymes work at various pH levels but do not typically lower the pH to facilitate reactions. - Option (D) - Incorrect: Similarly, enzymes do not increase the pH in the reaction process. 

Step 3: Conclusion Since enzymes catalyze reactions by lowering activation energy, option (A) is the correct answer.