Enzymes

Enzymes are specialized proteins that act as catalysts in biological reactions, speeding up chemical processes without being consumed in the reaction. They work by lowering the activation energy required for reactions, allowing them to proceed more quickly and efficiently. Each enzyme is specific to a particular substrate, fitting together like a lock and key to form an enzyme-substrate complex. This specificity ensures that enzymes regulate various metabolic pathways in organisms with precision. Factors such as temperature, pH, and substrate concentration can affect enzyme activity, making them critical to maintaining proper cellular function and overall homeostasis .