Describe how an enzyme increases the rate of a biochemical reaction?

An enzyme has an active site at which it binds to the substrates involved in the biochemical reaction. This results in the formation of an enzyme-substrate complex. The formation of such an intermediate complex allows the reaction to proceed via an alternative pathway with a lower activation energy. Once this lower energy pathway is initiated, the enzyme-substrate complex dissociates and product is produced. This means that less energy, such as a lower temperature, is required for the biochemical reaction to proceed and it can occur at a faster rate. The enzyme itself is neither consumed nor produced during the reaction, and therefore one enzyme molecule can catalyze many reactions.

Answered by Rebecca S. Biology tutor

2148 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the process of saltatory conduction and why is it important in the human nerve system?


How does a chemical synapse transmit an action potential?


Explain a mechanism for the transporting and loading of sugars in the phloem. [6]


Name two enzymes involved in DNA replication (2 marks)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences