How does an enzyme work to catalyze a reaction?
A)It raises the temperature of a reaction.
B)It increases the concentration of the reactants in a reaction.
C)It supplies the energy to speed up a reaction.
D)It lowers the activation energy of a reaction.
E)It allows the reaction to proceed through different intermediates.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Enzymes lower the activation energy required for a reaction to occur, meaning that they make it easier for reactants to reach the transition state and thus speed up the reaction. This is accomplished through the enzyme's specific shape and chemical properties that allow it to interact with the reactants and stabilize the transition state.

How Does an Enzyme Work to Catalyze a Reaction