Question

What affects the reaction equilibrium between S and P? What affects the reaction rate of the conversion from S to P? What aspect of a reaction can an enzyme alter?

Answer 1

(i) Addition of substrates or products can affect the equilibrium between S and P.

Note: If you add substrate S to the system, the equilibrium shifts towards P (right side), and if you add product P to the system, the equilibrium shifts towards S (left side).

(ii) A catalyst can affect the reaction rate of the conversion from S to P.

Note: A positive catalyst can increase the rate of reaction, whereas a negative enzyme can decrease the rate of a reaction.

(iii) The activation energy of the reaction or pathway of the reaction will be altered by the enzyme.