Final answer:
Enzymes lower the activation energy of a chemical reaction, allowing it to proceed at a faster rate.
Step-by-step explanation:
An enzyme functions by lowering the activation energy of a chemical reaction. Activation energy is the energy needed to start a chemical reaction. Enzymes do this by binding to the reactant molecules and holding them in such a way as to speed up the reaction.
By reducing the activation energy, enzymes enable chemical reactions to proceed at a faster rate. The lower activation energy allows reactant molecules to reach the transition state more easily, resulting in a quicker conversion of reactants to products.
Therefore, the correct answer is A) The reaction proceeds at a faster rate.