What is the primary function of enzymes in biological systems?

Enzymes play a pivotal role in biological systems primarily by speeding up chemical reactions. They are biological catalysts that lower the activation energy required for reactions to occur, thereby increasing the rate at which these reactions take place. This is crucial for maintaining the efficiency of metabolic processes in living organisms, as many reactions would not occur at a biologically relevant rate without the presence of enzymes.

Moreover, enzymes are highly specific for their substrates, which allows for a finely-tuned regulatory mechanism in metabolism. By facilitating biochemical reactions, enzymes enable essential processes such as digestion, energy production, and DNA replication, all of which are imperative for life.

While other functions listed in the options are indeed important in biological systems—such as storing genetic information (which is primarily the role of DNA), providing structural support (often fulfilled by proteins and other biomolecules), and transporting nutrients (often done by transport proteins or cellular structures)—they do not capture the fundamental catalytic role that enzymes play in accelerating crucial chemical processes within cells.