The activation energy of a reaction could in principle be supplied by heat, but cells use enzymes instead because heating would
- A. slow every reaction down
- B. damage cellular molecules and speed all reactions indiscriminately
- C. destroy the substrates
- D. prevent products from forming
Explanation
Raising temperature speeds every reaction and denatures proteins, so it cannot give the selective control life needs. An enzyme lowers the barrier for one specific reaction at body temperature, which is precisely why metabolism can run fast at 37 degrees.
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