How Enzymes Speed Up Reactions

Question 1

What needs to be supplied before a reaction can occur ?

Answer 1

Activation energy.

A certain amount of energy supplied as heat to chemicals.

Question 2

What do enzymes do to the activation energy ?

Answer 2

Lower the amount of activation energy needed.

Reactions happen at lower temps to speed up rate of reaction.

Question 3

What else lowers activation energy?

Answer 3

When substrate fits into enzymes active site to form enzyme substrate complex

Question 4

Why does the formation of enzyme substrate Complex lower activation energy?

Answer 4

2 substrate molecules needed to be joined together- being attached to enzymes holds them together - reducing repulsion between molecules so they bond easily.

If enzyme is catalysing break down reaction fitting into active site puts strain on bonds in substrate - substrate breaks more easily