Question

chapter 8: an introduction to metab
concept 8.4 enzymes speed up metabolic reactions by lowering energy barriers
lo 8.4: explain how enzymes speed up metabolic reactions.

1. what is a catalyst?
2. what is activation energy (eₐ)?
3. label the x - axis of this graph “progress of the reaction” and the y - axis “free energy.”

Explanation:

1. A catalyst is a substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without being consumed in the reaction itself. It works by providing an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy.
2. Activation energy ($E_A$) is the minimum amount of energy that reactant molecules must possess in order to undergo a chemical reaction. It is the energy barrier that must be overcome for the reaction to start.
3. The x - axis of the graph should be labeled "Progress of the Reaction" as instructed in the question, which represents the sequence of events as the reaction proceeds from reactants to products.

Answer:

1. A catalyst is a substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without being consumed.
2. Activation energy ($E_A$) is the minimum energy required for reactants to start a chemical reaction.
3. Progress of the Reaction