10. Consider the following chemical reaction: X + Y → Z. In the diagram below, the dashed line represents the energetics of this reaction WITHOUT an enzyme. If the intracellular reaction X + Y → Z proceeds in the presence of a specific enzyme and no other components, what can you conclude?

Question

A. The reaction would not proceed in the absence of the enzyme.
B. The reaction would proceed in the absence of the enzyme but at a slower rate.
C. The reverse reaction X + Y produces Z would not proceed in the presence of the enzyme.
D. The reaction in the presence of the enzyme will not proceed any faster if the temperature is raised a few degrees

Answer 1

Based on the information provided, the most appropriate conclusion is:

B. The reaction would proceed in the absence of the enzyme but at a slower rate.

Enzymes act as catalysts, which means they speed up reactions by lowering the activation energy. They do not change the overall outcome of the reaction (the reactants and products remain the same) or prevent the reaction from occurring in their absence. Therefore, while the reaction will still occur without the enzyme, it would do so at a slower rate due to a higher activation energy barrier.