What is an enzyme?

An enzyme is a protein that plays a crucial role in biochemical reactions by acting as a catalyst to speed up these reactions without being consumed in the process. Each enzyme has a specific structure that allows it to bind to its substrate, the molecule it acts upon, thereby lowering the activation energy required for a reaction to occur. This makes it easier and faster for biological processes such as digestion, metabolism, and DNA replication to happen efficiently within living organisms.

In contrast to proteins involved in signaling, like hormones or receptors, enzymes are specifically designed to facilitate chemical changes. Understanding the unique function of enzymes is essential for studying various biological processes, as they are key to maintaining life.