Describe how an enzyme increases the rate of a biochemical reaction?

An enzyme has an active site at which it binds to the substrates involved in the biochemical reaction. This results in the formation of an enzyme-substrate complex. The formation of such an intermediate complex allows the reaction to proceed via an alternative pathway with a lower activation energy. Once this lower energy pathway is initiated, the enzyme-substrate complex dissociates and product is produced. This means that less energy, such as a lower temperature, is required for the biochemical reaction to proceed and it can occur at a faster rate. The enzyme itself is neither consumed nor produced during the reaction, and therefore one enzyme molecule can catalyze many reactions.

RS
Answered by Rebecca S. Biology tutor

3230 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What are the main differences between Mitosis and Meiosis?


How can a child have cystic fibrosis when neither of the parents have the disorder? (5 Marks)


The genotypes of 2 guinea pigs, for 2 traits are represented as AABB and aabb. The guinea pigs are mated and the offspring eventually mate with eachother. Of the second generation, what genotypes would be phenotypically different from the originals?


A bacterial infection that cannot be treated with one sort of penicillin can be treated with a different sort. Use your knowledge of enzyme action to explain why the different sort of penicillin is effective in treating the infection.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning