Question

The enzyme sucrase increases the rate at which sucrose is broken down into glucose and fructose. Sucrase works by?

1) Breaking the chemical bonds in sucrose
2) Increasing the temperature of the reaction
3) Acting as a catalyst for the reaction
4) Changing the pH of the reaction

Answer 1

Sucrase works by acting as a catalyst for the reaction, increasing the rate at which sucrose is broken down into glucose and fructose. It binds to the reactant molecules at its active site, bringing them together and weakening their interactions, which helps in catalyzing the reaction with lower activation energy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The enzyme sucrase works by acting as a catalyst for the reaction to increase the rate at which sucrose is broken down into glucose and fructose. Enzymes like sucrase bind both reactant molecules tightly and specifically at their active site, bringing them together and weakening the interactions between the fructose and glucose molecules that make up sucrose. This specific binding in the active site helps enzymes achieve the appropriate orientation of the reactants, catalyzing the reaction with lower activation energy.