Question

the graph shown represents the effect of enzyme concentration on reaction rate. what can you conclude about the relationship between the concentration of amylase (an enzyme) and the rate of starch reduction (the reaction)?
a. the reaction rate increases as the enzyme concentration decreases.
b. the reaction rate is not directly related to the enzyme concentration.
c. the reaction rate decreases as the enzyme concentration increases.
d. the reaction rate increases as the enzyme concentration increases.

Explanation:

Enzymes like amylase speed up reactions. More enzyme (higher concentration) generally means more active sites available to act on the substrate (starch here). So, as amylase (enzyme) concentration increases, more starch gets broken down (starch reduction rate increases).

• Option A: Incorrect. If enzyme concentration decreases, there are fewer enzymes to act on starch, so reaction rate (starch reduction) should decrease, not increase.
• Option B: Incorrect. Enzymes directly affect reaction rates. Amylase acts on starch, so there is a direct relationship.
• Option C: Incorrect. As enzyme concentration increases, more enzymes are available to catalyze the breakdown of starch. So reaction rate (starch reduction) should increase, not decrease.
• Option D: Correct. With higher amylase (enzyme) concentration, more active sites are available to bind to starch and break it down, increasing the rate of starch reduction (reaction rate).

Answer:

D. The reaction rate increases as the enzyme concentration increases.