The enzyme amylase: A. reduces the free energy change (G) for the reaction it catalyzes. B. increases the free energy of the products in the reaction it catalyzes. C. reduces the free energy of the products in the reaction it catalyzes. D. reduces the activation energy for the reaction it catalyzes.

Answer: D. reduces the activation energy for the reaction it catalyzes.

Explanation:

The enzyme amylase is the enzyme which functions optimally in the environment. The enzyme amylase in the saliva functions in break down of starch which is a polysaccharide into small sugars. In this situation, the amylase is the enzyme and the starch is the substrate also the small sugar molecules are the products.

When the enzyme amylase binds to the substrate, then enzyme-substrate complex forms. The formation of this complex lowers the activation energy of the reaction and promotes the rapid progression of the reaction.