Question

Enzymes speed up the rate at which chemical reactions occur within a cell because the enzyme __________.

raises the activation energy of the reaction
lowers the activation energy of the reaction
removes the need for a cofactor
provides a heat source to supply energy to the reaction

Answer 1

Enzymes accelerate chemical reactions in a cell by reducing the activation energy required for the reaction, providing an alternative pathway that facilitates the reaction more efficiently.

Step-by-step explanation:

Enzymes speed up the rate at which chemical reactions occur within a cell because the enzyme lowers the activation energy of the reaction. Activation energy is the energy necessary to initiate a chemical reaction, involving the breaking and forming of chemical bonds. Enzymes facilitate this process by binding to the reactants and stabilizing them, which reduces the energy needed for the reaction to proceed.

By offering an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy, enzymes increase the rate at which the reactants convert into products. They do this by bringing reactants together in an optimal orientation, enhancing the likelihood of bonds forming and breaking more readily. This critical function is vital for maintaining efficient metabolic processes within the cell, allowing life-sustaining biochemical reactions to proceed at a pace conducive to life.