Apentix/AP Biology/Unit 1: Chemistry of Life/Question
AP Biologymediummcq1 pt

Sucrase digests table sugar millions of times faster than the same reaction runs in pure water. What does sucrase change to achieve this?

A.Nothing about the energy yield, only the activation barrier, by stabilizing the transition state
B.The equilibrium position, so far more product accumulates at completion
C.The temperature of the surroundings, which increases collision energy throughout the cell
D.The amount of free energy released, making the reaction more favorable than before

Explanation

Core Concept

Catalysts work entirely on kinetics. The active site grips sucrose in a strained geometry resembling the transition state, stabilizing that high-energy arrangement so a much larger fraction of encounters crosses the barrier. The free energy difference between sucrose and its products never moves, so the equilibrium position is untouched; the reaction simply approaches equilibrium far sooner. Heat generation, ATP spending, and bigger yields are common misconceptions about catalysis.

Correct Answer

ANothing about the energy yield, only the activation barrier, by stabilizing the transition state

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