Enzymes are proteins that act as biological catalysts, meaning they speed up chemical reactions in living organisms without being consumed in the process
. They do this by lowering the activation energy required to start a reaction, which allows the reaction to proceed faster and at rates necessary for life
. Enzymes are highly specific, each targeting a particular substrate (the molecule upon which the enzyme acts) and facilitating its transformation into a product
. For example, digestive enzymes break down large food molecules like proteins, fats, and carbohydrates into smaller molecules that the body can absorb and use for energy, growth, and repair
. Beyond digestion, enzymes play critical roles in many biological functions including:
- Metabolism and energy production
- DNA replication and repair
- Muscle contraction and movement
- Cell regulation and signal transduction
- Detoxification in the liver
Enzymes often work with coenzymes or metal ions that assist in the catalytic process, enhancing their ability to carry out reactions
. In summary, enzymes enable and accelerate essential biochemical reactions that sustain life by reducing the energy barrier for these reactions and ensuring they occur efficiently and specifically within the body
