Enzymes are proteins that catalyze chemical reactions in living organisms. They are essential for many biological processes, such as digestion, metabolism, and energy production.

It works by lowering the activation energy required for a chemical reaction to occur, making it easier and faster for the reaction to take place. Enzymes are highly specific, meaning that they only catalyze a particular reaction or group of reactions.

They are typically named according to the reaction they catalyze, with the suffix “-ase” added to the name of the substrate. For example, the enzyme that breaks down lactose is called lactase.

Enzymes are produced by living cells and are typically found within cells or in extracellular fluids. Enzyme production can be regulated by various factors, including the availability of substrates and the presence of other enzymes or inhibitors.

Enzymes can be used in various applications, including in the production of food, beverages, and pharmaceuticals. They can also be used in industrial processes, such as in the production of biofuels and in the removal of stains and odors in laundry detergents.

Enzymes can also be affected by various factors, such as temperature, pH, and inhibitors. In some cases, mutations in the genes that code for enzymes can result in genetic disorders, such as phenylketonuria.