What role do enzymes play in biochemical reactions?

Enzymes play a crucial role in biochemical reactions as they act as catalysts, which means they facilitate and accelerate these reactions without being consumed in the process. This catalytic function significantly lowers the activation energy required for a reaction to occur, allowing biological processes to happen at a much faster rate and under milder conditions than would otherwise be possible. By increasing reaction rates, enzymes enable essential reactions, such as metabolism and DNA replication, to proceed efficiently within living organisms.

The concept of catalysis is fundamental in biochemistry, as enzymes transform substrates into products more quickly, maintaining the necessary balance and timing for cellular functions. Their specificity ensures that they only catalyze particular reactions, which is key to the regulation of metabolic pathways and overall cellular homeostasis.