Enzymes are necessary for reactions in cells because they act as biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required to start them. Without enzymes, most biochemical reactions would occur too slowly to meet the needs of cells and sustain life. Enzymes enable reactions to happen quickly and efficiently under mild conditions compatible with life, allowing cells to perform essential functions such as metabolism, DNA replication, and digestion.
Key Explanation
- Enzymes lower the activation energy threshold necessary for reactions, making it easier for the reactions to proceed.
- Without enzymes, reactions would be too slow to sustain life processes.
- Enzymes are not consumed in reactions and can be reused repeatedly.
Why Enzymes Are Necessary in Cells
- Provide speed for reactions so cells can function properly.
- Facilitate critical processes such as breaking down food, synthesizing molecules, and copying DNA.
- Maintain life under the gentle conditions of temperature and pressure found in cells.
Thus, the best explanation is: The reactions are too slow to meet the needs of the cell if enzymes are missing.
This explains why enzymes are essential for cellular reactions—they ensure biochemical processes occur rapidly enough for life.
