Why does the amount of product level off as time increases?
A) The reaction has reached equilibrium; that is, the forward and reverse reactions are occurring at a fixed rate.
B) There is a product inhibition of the enzyme.
C) The reaction runs out of reaction materials.
D) The enzyme has finished accelerating the reaction.
E) None of the above.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When the amount of product levels off as time increases, it indicates that the reaction has reached equilibrium. At this point, the forward and reverse reactions are occurring at a fixed rate, resulting in a steady state concentration of the product. Option B refers to enzyme inhibition, which does not relate to the question. Option C suggests that the reaction runs out of materials, which would cause the product level to decrease, not level off. Option D is incorrect because the reaction rate is not related to enzyme acceleration at this point. Therefore, the correct answer is A.

Why Does the Amount of Product Level Off as Time