Final answer:
Option C: A favorable binding equilibrium is characterized by a negative free-energy change, a higher concentration of the complex compared to the unbound components, a slower complex dissociation rate.
Step-by-step explanation:
A favorable binding equilibrium is characterized by certain conditions not being true. One of these conditions is that the free-energy change for the system is negative. In a favorable binding equilibrium, the free-energy change is positive, as it represents the energy required for the system to form a complex. This answers option (a).
Another condition that is not true of a favorable binding equilibrium is option (b), where the concentration of the complex remains lower than the concentration of the unbound components. In a favorable binding equilibrium, the concentration of the complex is higher than the concentration of the unbound components.
Option (c) is also a statement that is not true of a favorable binding equilibrium. In a favorable binding equilibrium, the complex dissociation rate is faster than the rate for component association. This means that the complex dissociates more easily than it forms. Therefore, the statement in option (c) is incorrect.
Option (d) is the correct statement that is true of a favorable binding equilibrium. In a favorable binding equilibrium, the binding energy for the association is large and negative. This means that the formation of the complex is thermodynamically favorable and releases energy.