Question

In a reaction, reactants form a transition state, before the formation of products. Which of the following is affected by the action of enzyme?

• A. Products only
• B. Reactants only
• C. Transition state only
• D. Products and reactants
• E. Transition state and products

Answer 1

The correct option is C Transition state only

Any chemical reaction includes the formation of transition state between reactant and product. Formation of transition state requires high energy content of reactant molecules for alignment of reacting groups, the formation of transient unstable charges, rearrangements of chemical bonds etc. The energy required for formation of the transition state is termed as activation energy. Enzymes enhance the rate of reaction by lowering down the activation energy of transition state. Thus, the correct answer is option C.