A reaction coordinate diagram comparing an uncatalyzed reaction with an enzyme-catalyzed reaction can directly illustrate that the enzyme __________,but will not directly illustrate that the enzyme __________.
A) orients the substrates appropriately for the reaction to occur; provides an alternative path for product formation
B) provides an alternative path for product formation; stabilizes the transition state
C) stabilizes the transition state; orients the substrates appropriately for the reaction to occur
D) stabilizes the transition state; provides an alternative path for product formation

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A reaction coordinate diagram shows the energy changes that occur during a chemical reaction. The diagram shows that enzymes lower the activation energy required for a reaction, which indicates that enzymes stabilize the transition state. Enzymes do not provide an alternative path for product formation or orient substrates appropriately directly. While these factors may indirectly affect the energy changes occurring in the reaction, the diagram itself only reflects changes in energy over the course of the reaction.

A Reaction Coordinate Diagram Comparing an Uncatalyzed Reaction with an Enzyme-Catalyzed