Topic 3.2: Enzyme Catalysis

what is an enzyme-catalyzed reaction

A reaction that uses an enzyme to catalyze the rate of the reaction

how is the activation energy of an enzyme-catalyzed reaction and an uncatalyzed reaction different

Catalyzed reaction has a lower activation energy because there is an enzyme present in the reaction. Uncatalyzed reaction has a higher activation energy because there is no enzyme present in the reaction.

how is the reaction rate of an enzyme-catalyzed reaction and an uncatalyzed reaction different

Catalyzed reactions have a lower activation energy than the corresponding uncatalyzed reaction, resulting in a higher reaction rate at the same temperature and for the same reactant concentrations.

how does an enzyme affect the rate of biological reactions

Enzymes (and other catalysts) act by reducing the activation energy, thereby increasing the rate of reaction.