what kind of compound are enzymes

Enzymes are biological macromolecules that are primarily proteins. They consist of long chains of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds, forming a specific three-dimensional structure that determines their function. In some cases, enzymes may also include non-protein components called cofactors, such as metal ions or organic molecules, which are necessary for their catalytic activity. These cofactors together with the protein portion (called apoenzyme) form the active enzyme complex known as a holoenzyme. Enzymes act as biological catalysts, speeding up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process. Almost all metabolic processes in living organisms depend on enzyme catalysis. Structurally, enzymes are globular proteins with an active site where substrates bind and the catalytic reaction occurs. While most enzymes are proteins, there exist some catalytic RNA molecules known as ribozymes, but these are exceptions rather than the rule. In summary, enzymes belong to the class of protein compounds with some requiring cofactors for full functionality, making them complex biological catalysts essential for life’s biochemical reactions.