Question

Which of the following advantages is associated with using an enzyme to overcome an energy barrier in a biological system, as compared to adding heat?

A) Selectivity: Enzymes can specifically target a particular reaction, whereas heat may promote multiple reactions simultaneously.
B) Efficiency: Enzymes can operate at milder temperatures, reducing the risk of damaging biological molecules, while heat may denature proteins.
C) Control: Enzymes can be regulated through feedback mechanisms, allowing for precise control over biochemical reactions, unlike heat which lacks such regulation.
D) Reversibility: Enzyme-catalyzed reactions are often reversible, providing flexibility in metabolic pathways, whereas heat-induced reactions are typically irreversible.

Answer 1

Enzymes offer several advantages over heat for overcoming energy barriers in biological systems, including high selectivity, operating efficiency at mild temperatures, and precise control over overreactions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The advantages associated with using an enzyme to overcome an energy barrier in a biological system, as compared to adding heat, include Selectivity, Efficiency, and Control over biochemical reactions. Unlike heat, which can promote multiple reactions and cause damage to biological molecules, enzymes lower the activation energy required for reactions in a highly specific and controlled manner. They catalyze reactions at physiological temperatures, thus protecting vital macromolecules from damage that could occur with excessive heat. Enzymes also allow for precise control over reactions through feedback mechanisms, enabling a more regulated and efficient cellular environment. Each enzyme has a unique active site that targets specific substrates with high affinity, thereby ensuring selectivity in catalyzing biochemical reactions. This selective affinity combined with the ability of enzymes to bring reactants together in an optimal orientation allows for a dramatic increase in the rate of reactions, sometimes up to several million reactions per second. Additionally, enzymes can operate at a range of temperatures, maintaining their efficiency up to around body temperature before they start to lose their catalytic function due to denaturation.