What is the function of enzymes in biological systems?

Enzymes play a crucial role in biological systems by acting as catalysts that enhance the speed of biochemical reactions. They achieve this by lowering the activation energy required for these reactions to take place, which allows them to occur more quickly and efficiently than would otherwise be possible. Importantly, enzymes are not consumed in the reactions they catalyze; this means they can be used repeatedly in multiple reactions, making them highly efficient at accelerating metabolic processes.

This catalytic function of enzymes is essential for various physiological processes, from digestion to DNA replication, as they facilitate the conversion of substrates into products. Their specificity also ensures that each enzyme typically catalyzes only one type of reaction, which is vital for maintaining the precise control of metabolic pathways within living organisms.