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Most Repeated MDCAT Biology: Enzymes MCQs

The most repeated Enzymes questions in MDCAT Biology, measured from 377 real past papers. Enzymes contributed 373 questions across those papers, and 9 distinct questions recurred with the same verified answer across 2 or more different exam years — listed below (ranked by how many years each recurs in), with the answer, an explanation, and the exact years.

Measured from 377 real past papers · updated July 2026

  1. 1
    Repeated in 3 yearsEnzymes

    Enzymes work by lowering the _ of the reactions they catalyze.

    • AKinetic energy
    • BHeat energy
    • CActivation energy
    • DPotential energy

    Explanation

    An enzyme binds to its specific substrate at its active site and facilitates the conversion of substrates into products. By lowering the activation energy, enzymes make it easier for reactions to occur.

    Appeared in the past papers of: 2022, 2023, 2024

  2. 2
    Repeated in 2 yearsEnzymes

    All coenzymes are derived from:

    • AProteins
    • BMetal ions
    • CCarbohydrates
    • DVitamins

    Explanation

    Coenzymes are small organic molecules that assist enzymes in catalyzing biochemical reactions. They are often derived from vitamins, which are essential organic compounds that the body requires in small amounts for various metabolic processes.

    Appeared in the past papers of: 2013, 2014

  3. 3
    Repeated in 2 yearsEnzymes

    Penicillin blocks the active sites of an enzyme that many bacteria use in making cell walls. It is an example of:

    • ACompetitive inhibition
    • BNoncompetitive inhibition
    • CFeedback inhibition
    • DRadiation effect

    Explanation

    Option B should be non competitive inhibition instead of incompetitive inhibition.Option A: Competitive inhibition: Many antibiotic are inhibitors of specific enzyme in bacteria e.g. penicillin blocks the active site of an enzyme that many bacteria use tomade cell-walls. These antibiotics are example of competitive inhibition. Hence, this option is correct.

    Appeared in the past papers of: 2023, 2024

  4. 4
    Repeated in 2 yearsEnzymes

    The structure of an enzyme is altered by:

    • AIrreversible inhibition
    • BReversible inhibition
    • CCompetitive inhibition
    • DNon competitive inhibition

    Explanation

    Non-competitive inhibitors obstruct enzymatic reactions by binding to a part of the enzyme away from the active site. This interaction causes the enzyme molecule to change its shape, rendering the active site unreceptive to substrate or leaving the enzyme less effective at catalyzing. Hence this option is correct.

    Appeared in the past papers of: 2023, 2024

  5. 5
    Repeated in 2 yearsEnzymes

    A chemical substance that can react with an enzyme faster than a real substrate and without producing a product is

    • AAccelerator
    • BInhibitor
    • CCoenzyme
    • DActivator

    Explanation

    Inhibitors are substances that react with enzyme in place of substrate but are not converted into product.

    Appeared in the past papers of: 2023, 2024

  6. 6
    Repeated in 2 yearsEnzymes

    Pepsin works best at a pH of—---

    • A2.0
    • B7.2
    • C8.5
    • D9.0

    Explanation

    Pepsin is an enzyme found in the stomach that breaks down proteins. It works optimally in an acidic environment, with a pH around 2.0. This acidic environment is created by hydrochloric acid secreted by the stomach lining.

    Appeared in the past papers of: 2023, 2024

  7. 7
    Repeated in 2 yearsEnzymes

    Lock & key model of enzyme action proposed by Emil Fischer suggested that.

    • AEnzymes are restricted to one reaction type
    • BEnzymes are flexible and can catalyze multiple reactions
    • CEnzymes are non-specific and can bind to any substrate
    • DEnzymes are always active

    Explanation

    This is the correct answer. The lock-and-key model proposed by Emil Fischer suggests that enzymes are highly specific and can only catalyze one type of reaction. This is because the active site of an enzyme has a specific shape that complements the shape of its substrate, much like a lock and key. Only the correct substrate can fit into the active site and undergo the catalyzed reaction.

    Appeared in the past papers of: 2023, 2024

  8. 8
    Repeated in 2 yearsEnzymes

    Enzymes work by lowering the _ of the reactions they catalyse:

    • AKinetic energy
    • BActivation energy
    • CHeat energy
    • DPotential energy

    Explanation

    Activation Energy is the minimum amount of energy that the reacting species must possess in order to undergo a specified reaction. Enzymes speed up reactions by lowering this energy and hence the reaction occurs faster by the virtue of more reactants being capable of initiating and taking part in the reaction due to the lowered energy threshold. Kinetic energy (KE) of an object is the energy that it possesses due to its motion. Heat energy is the result of the movement of tiny particles called atoms, molecules or ions in solids, liquids and gases. Potential energy is energy that is stored – or conserved - in an object or substance.

    Appeared in the past papers of: 2020, 2023

  9. 9
    Repeated in 2 yearsEnzymes

    Most enzymes have an optimum temperature of around:

    • A30°C
    • B40°C
    • C50°C
    • D20°C

    Explanation

    Most enzymes have an optimum temperature at which they function most efficiently. For many enzymes in the human body, this optimum temperature is around 37 degrees Celsius (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit), which is the normal body temperature. However, the specific optimum temperature can vary for different enzymes. Hence here we will select 40 degrees Celsius.

    Appeared in the past papers of: 2020, 2022

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