Rate of an enzyme-catalyzed reaction as a function of varying reactant
concentration, with the concentration of enzyme constant.
-For the enzyme-catalyzed reaction shown in the figure, which of these treatments will cause the greatest increase in the rate of the reaction, if the initial reactant concentration is 1.0 micromolar?
A) doubling the activation energy needed
B) cooling the reaction by 10°C
C) doubling the concentration of the reactants to 2.0 micromolar
D) doubling the enzyme concentration
E) increasing the concentration of reactants to 10.0 micromolar, while reducing the concentration of enzyme by 1/2

Question

Rate of an enzyme-catalyzed reaction as a function of varying reactant
concentration, with the concentration of enzyme constant.
-For the enzyme-catalyzed reaction shown in the figure, which of these treatments will cause the greatest increase in the rate of the reaction, if the initial reactant concentration is 1.0 micromolar?
A) doubling the activation energy needed 
B) cooling the reaction by 10°C 
C) doubling the concentration of the reactants to 2.0 micromolar 
D) doubling the enzyme concentration 
E) increasing the concentration of reactants to 10.0 micromolar, while reducing the concentration of enzyme by 1/2

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The greatest increase in the rate of an enzyme-catalyzed reaction can be achieved by increasing the concentration of the enzyme. This would increase the number of active sites available for the reactants to bind to, thereby increasing the likelihood of successful collisions and the rate of reaction. Changing the activation energy, cooling the reaction, or increasing the concentration of the reactants, while important factors, will not have as significant an impact on the rate of the reaction as increasing the concentration of the enzyme. Decreasing the concentration of the enzyme, as suggested in choice E, would further decrease the rate of the reaction.

Rate of an Enzyme-Catalyzed Reaction as a Function of Varying