Final answer:
Enzymes lower the activation energy of a chemical reaction, making catalyzed reactions more likely to proceed and form products more rapidly than uncatalyzed reactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Enzymes lower the activation energy of a chemical reaction. This means that a catalyzed reaction is more likely to proceed and forms products more rapidly than an uncatalyzed reaction.
Activation energy is the energy required for a reaction to begin. Without an enzyme, the energy input needed for a reaction to begin is high. However, with the help of an enzyme, less energy is needed for a reaction to begin.
Enzymes increase the rate of reaction by lowering the activation energy, making it easier for the reactants to overcome the energy barrier and form products.