Which of these statements regarding enzymes is FALSE?
To determine which of the statements regarding enzymes is false, we need to evaluate each statement individually.
1. Enzymes are proteins that act as biological catalysts.
This statement is true. Enzymes are a type of protein that speed up chemical reactions in living organisms by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur.
2. Enzymes are specific in the reactions they catalyze.
This statement is true. Enzymes are highly specific in the reactions they catalyze. Each enzyme typically binds to a particular substrate or substrates and converts them into specific products.
3. Enzymes are consumed during the reactions they catalyze.
This statement is FALSE. Enzymes are not consumed or altered during the reactions they catalyze. They can be used repeatedly and retain their catalytic activity.
4. Enzymes increase the rate of chemical reactions by raising the activation energy.
This statement is false. Enzymes actually lower the activation energy required for a chemical reaction to occur. By doing so, they speed up the rate of the reaction.
Therefore, the false statement is: "Enzymes are consumed during the reactions they catalyze."