Question

Maltase is an enzyme that hydrolyzes maltose to two glucose molecules.b. Draw an energy diagram for the reaction with and without maltase.

Accepted Answer

Understand the reaction: Maltase is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of maltose into two glucose molecules. Enzymes lower the activation energy of a reaction, making it proceed faster. This will be reflected in the energy diagram. Draw the x-axis and y-axis of the energy diagram: The x-axis represents the reaction progress (from reactants to products), and the y-axis represents the energy of the system. Plot the energy curve for the reaction without maltase: Start with the energy of the reactants (maltose and water). Draw a high peak to represent the activation energy required for the reaction to proceed without the enzyme. Then, show the energy decreasing to the level of the products (two glucose molecules). Plot the energy curve for the reaction with maltase: Start at the same energy level for the reactants. Draw a lower peak to represent the reduced activation energy due to the presence of maltase. The final energy level of the products remains the same as in the previous curve, as enzymes do not change the overall energy of the reaction. Label the diagram: Clearly label the reactants, products, activation energy (with and without maltase), and the transition state. Indicate the lower activation energy in the presence of maltase to highlight the enzyme's effect.

Maltase is an enzyme that hydrolyzes maltose to two glucose molecules.
b. Draw an energy diagram for the reaction with and without maltase.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

Key Concepts

Enzymes and Catalysis

Activation Energy

Energy Diagrams