Enzymes

Enzymes are biological molecules that act as catalysts, accelerating chemical reactions within living organisms without being consumed in the process. These catalysts function by lowering the activation energy required for a specific chemical reaction to occur, thereby increasing the rate at which the reaction proceeds. Enzymes are typically proteins, although some RNA molecules also exhibit catalytic activity. Each enzyme is highly specific, recognizing and binding to particular substrates, which are the molecules that undergo chemical transformation. This specificity arises from the unique three-dimensional structure of the enzyme’s active site, which complements the shape and chemical properties of its substrate. Enzymes play essential roles in numerous physiological processes, including digestion, metabolism, DNA replication, and cellular signaling, making them indispensable for the maintenance of life.