A biochemist is attempting to replicate a chemical reaction that commonly takes place in cells. During the chemical reaction, starch is broken down into glucose.

Question

What will most likely happen if the biochemist adds more of the same enzyme that is normally present during this reaction?
A.
The reaction will stop.
B.
The reaction will slow down.
C.
The reaction will take place at a higher temperature.
D.
The reaction will speed up.

Answer 1

D. The reaction will speed up.

Adding more of the enzyme will increase the rate of the chemical reaction, as enzymes act as catalysts that speed up reactions without being used up in the process. This will result in the starch being broken down into glucose at a faster pace.