What role do enzymes play in biological systems?

Enzymes play a critical role in biological systems as catalysts, which means they speed up chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required for those reactions to occur. This catalytic function is essential for sustaining life because many biochemical reactions would occur too slowly at the temperatures present in living organisms without the assistance of enzymes.

Enzymes are highly specific, meaning that each type of enzyme typically catalyzes only one type of reaction or acts on a specific substrate. This specificity ensures that the metabolic pathways within a cell operate efficiently and in a regulated manner. By facilitating these reactions, enzymes help manage energy transfer, build complex molecules necessary for cellular function, and break down substrates to release energy.

This distinctive ability to enhance reaction rates without being consumed or permanently altered in the process underscores their importance in various biological processes, such as digestion, metabolism, and DNA replication.