Question

which statements describe the characteristics of an individual protein? select two options.
it is specific to one biochemical reaction.
it increases the activation energy needed for a reaction.
it can catalyze many different reactions.
it increases the rate of a biochemical reaction.
it slows down the rate of a biochemical reaction.

Explanation:

1. Enzymes (proteins with catalytic activity) are specific to one biochemical reaction (lock - and - key model), so "It is specific to one biochemical reaction" is correct.
2. Enzymes act as catalysts, which increase the rate of a biochemical reaction by lowering the activation energy, so "It increases the rate of a biochemical reaction" is correct.
3. Enzymes do not increase activation energy (they lower it), so the option "It increases the activation energy needed for a reaction" is wrong.
4. An individual enzyme (protein) is specific and usually catalyzes one type of reaction, not many different reactions, so "It can catalyze many different reactions" is wrong.
5. Enzymes increase, not slow down, the rate of biochemical reactions, so "It slows down the rate of a biochemical reaction" is wrong.

Answer:

A. It is specific to one biochemical reaction, D. It increases the rate of a biochemical reaction