Question

which of the following statements best helps explain the reaction specificity of an enzyme?
a the free energy of the reactants is greater than the free energy of the products.
b the equilibrium constant of the reaction is much greater than 1.
c the shape and charge of the substrates are compatible with the active site of the enzyme.
d the concentration of the enzyme inside living cells is greater than the concentration of substrate.

Explanation:

Enzyme reaction specificity is primarily due to the active site's unique shape and charge, which only bind to substrates with complementary properties (lock-and-key or induced fit model). Other options relate to reaction thermodynamics (A, B) or concentration (D), not specificity.

Answer:

C. The shape and charge of the substrates are compatible with the active site of the enzyme.