What are enzymes known for?

Enzymes are primarily known for their role in catalyzing reactions, which means they accelerate the rates of chemical reactions without being consumed in the process. They do this by lowering the activation energy required for a reaction to occur, making it easier for the reactants to be transformed into products. This catalytic activity is vital in biological systems because it allows key biochemical reactions to proceed at a pace necessary for life.

In addition to catalyzing reactions, enzymes are highly specific; each enzyme typically catalyzes a particular reaction or set of related reactions, which is essential for cellular function and metabolism. Their efficiency and specificity play crucial roles in processes such as digestion, metabolism, and DNA replication.

While enzymes do not store energy, transmit signals, or build cellular structures directly, they interact with other molecules in these processes. For instance, enzymes are involved in metabolic pathways that can produce energy or construct cellular components, but their primary function remains as biological catalysts.