Q. 16.30 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

How do enzymes make chemical reactions in the body proceed at faster rates?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

 As a result of requiring less energy to convert reactant molecules to product, more reaction molecules can form product.

Step 1: Introduction

• Enzymes are proteins that aid in the acceleration of chemical reactions in our bodies.
•  Enzymes are necessary for digestion, liver function, and many other things.
• Too much or too little of a particular enzyme can be harmful to one's health.

Step 2: Given information

Enzymes make chemical reactions in the body proceed at faster rates 

Step 3: Explanation

• Enzymes reduce the reaction's activation energy.
• As a result of requiring less energy to convert reactant molecules to product, more reaction molecules can form product.
• The reaction becomes faster as more reactants join in.
• This is how enzymes cause cellular reactions to move more quickly.