Answer: Lowering the activation energy.
- A Lowering the activation energy
- B Raising the temperature needed
- C Adding energy to the reactants
- D Shifting the equilibrium point
Correct answer: A. Lowering the activation energy
Explanation: Enzymes provide an alternative pathway with a lower activation energy, so the reaction proceeds faster without being consumed.
As substrate concentration rises, reaction rate increases steeply at first, then plateaus at Vmax once every enzyme molecule is working at full capacity; Km is the substrate concentration giving half-maximal rate, and a LOWER Km means the enzyme reaches that rate with less substrate (higher affinity).
Concept context
Carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and enzyme kinetics. Essential foundation for understanding metabolism.