What effect do enzymes have on the activation energy of a reaction?

Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required for those reactions to occur. Activation energy is the minimum energy needed for reactants to transform into products. By providing an alternative reaction pathway with a lower energy barrier, enzymes help molecules collide in ways that are more favorable for the reaction. This decrease in activation energy allows reactions to proceed more efficiently and at a faster rate under mild conditions, such as physiological temperatures and pressures, which are typical in biological systems.

In contrast, increasing the activation energy would make it harder for reactions to occur, and eliminating the need for activation energy is not feasible, as some energy input is always required. Similarly, stating that enzymes do not impact activation energy contradicts the fundamental role that enzymes play in biochemical reactions, as their primary function is to facilitate these reactions by providing that reduction in energy requirement.