What is the effect of adding more enzyme to a reaction concerning the rate of product formation?

• A. It decreases the product formation rate
• B. It increases the final yield of product
• C. It increases the rate of formation, not the final yield
• D. It has no effect on the reaction

Answer: (C)

Adding more enzyme to a reaction increases the rate of product formation, provided that substrate concentrations are not limiting. Enzymes act as catalysts and lower the activation energy required for a reaction to proceed, thereby speeding up the rate at which products are formed. When more enzyme is present, more active sites are available for substrate molecules to bind to, facilitating more frequent conversion of substrate into product.

However, while the rate of formation increases with enzyme concentration, it does not necessarily affect the final yield of product. The final yield is dictated by the amount of substrate available and any limitations that might exist, such as substrate availability or product inhibition. Once the substrate is fully consumed or if other factors limit the reaction, adding more enzyme will not result in additional product being formed. Therefore, the effect of increased enzyme concentration is primarily on the rate of formation of the product rather than the overall final yield.