Which statement concerning chemical reactions and catalysts is true?
A) In living systems, most chemical conversions do not involve catalysts.
B) Spontaneous chemical changes occur rapidly in aqueous solutions.
C) Water functions as a catalyst in many biochemical conversions.
D) Lightning was a catalyst for polymerization of large molecules on early Earth.
E) Catalysts are necessary for life because they speed up biochemical reactions that would otherwise take too long to occur.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Catalysts, including enzymes in biological systems, significantly increase the rate of chemical reactions without being consumed in the process. This acceleration is crucial for biochemical reactions in living organisms, which often need to occur rapidly to sustain life. Without catalysts, many essential biochemical reactions would proceed too slowly to support life processes.

Which Statement Concerning Chemical Reactions and Catalysts Is True