AAMC FL1 C/P #12

[77deuce]

"Binding Energy"

The answer is straightforward to me and I see why it's correct.

But what does the "binding energy" in the last lines of the explanation provided mean? I looked it up on google and it mentioned something about the strong nuclear forces or something of the sort. Just asking in case they throw in this "binding energy" concept on the actual MCAT.

How does it pertain to lowering transition state energy, exactly?

Please and thank you on explaining~~

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[aldol16]

In this context, 'binding energy' refers to the stabilization gained, in energetic terms, from the enzyme stabilizing the transition state. So say without the enzyme, the transition state energy is 40 kcal/mol relative to substrate. With the enzyme, it's 20 kcal/mol. That means you have a binding energy of 20 kcal/mol.