Question

Describe two methods by which protein enzymes accelerate reactions.

Answer 1

1. A reaction of substrate S to form product goes through a transition state S# that has higher free energy than S or P(product). The S# denotes thermodynamic property of the transition state. The difference in the free energy between the transition state and the substrate is called the GIbbs free energy of activation. Enzymes function to lower the activation energy and also facilitates the formation of transition state.

2. Enzymes change shape during the reaction process and bind to the substrate through active sites(lock & key model / induced fit theory) thereby reducing the activation energy and accelerating the reaction.