Written by Merel Dagher
How can enzymes lower the energy of activation of a reaction?
a. There is an entropy loss when the substrates are bound to active sites because the water molecules that had originally surrounded the substrates are displaced.
b. When the substrates are bound at the active sites, there is a decrease in van der Waal interactions
c. Hydrogen bonding and salt bridges between groups on the substrates are stronger due to the absence of water
d. Enzymes bring substrates in closer proximity and orient them correctly
e. a and b are correct
f. c and d are correct
a. There is an entropy loss when the substrates are bound to active sites because the water molecules that had originally surrounded the substrates are displaced.
b. When the substrates are bound at the active sites, there is a decrease in van der Waal interactions
c. Hydrogen bonding and salt bridges between groups on the substrates are stronger due to the absence of water
d. Enzymes bring substrates in closer proximity and orient them correctly
e. a and b are correct
f. c and d are correct
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The correct answer is f. Enzymes increase entropy by binding the substrates and displacing water molecules; enzymes allow for an increase in van der Waal interactions due to the proximity of the substrates. Enzymes also orient the substrates correctly. Furthermore (this isn’t one of the options), enzymes a higher affinity for the substrates in their transition state, so often times, an enzyme can strain the bonds in the substrates.