Definition & Meaning of "enzyme"

What is an "enzyme"?

Enzymes are special proteins that speed up biological reactions in the body. They help reactions occur more quickly by reducing the amount of energy needed to start them. Enzymes are highly specific, meaning each enzyme typically activates only one type of reaction or a few closely related reactions. They play crucial roles in various bodily functions, including digestion, metabolism, and cellular processes. For example, digestive enzymes aid in breaking down food into smaller molecules that can be absorbed by the body, while metabolic enzymes assist in chemical reactions involved in energy production and the creation of essential molecules. Without enzymes, many vital biochemical reactions would happen too slowly to sustain life processes.