How do enzymes lower activation energy?

• A. By increasing reactivity of products
• B. By harnessing heat energy to drive the breakage of bonds between atoms
• C. The first two responses are correct.
• D. The second and third choices are correct.
• E. By locally concentrating the reactants

Answer: (E)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of activation energy: Activation energy is the minimum amount of energy required for a chemical reaction to occur. Enzymes lower this energy barrier, making it easier for reactions to proceed.
2. Recognize the role of enzymes: Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up reactions without being consumed. They achieve this by providing an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy.
3. Explore how enzymes concentrate reactants: Enzymes have specific active sites where reactants, known as substrates, bind. This local concentration of substrates increases the likelihood of interactions, facilitating the reaction.
4. Consider the enzyme-substrate complex: When substrates bind to the enzyme's active site, they form an enzyme-substrate complex. This complex stabilizes the transition state, reducing the activation energy needed for the reaction.
5. Visualize the effect on activation energy: Enzymes do not change the overall energy of reactants or products; they simply lower the activation energy required for the reaction to proceed, making it faster and more efficient.