Entsyymi

Entsyymi is a Finnish term that translates to "enzyme" in English. Enzymes are biological catalysts, which are substances that increase the rate of a chemical reaction without themselves undergoing any permanent chemical change. In living organisms, enzymes are typically proteins, although some RNA molecules, called ribozymes, also have catalytic activity. Enzymes are essential for virtually all biological processes. They are involved in everything from digestion and energy production to DNA replication and muscle contraction. Each enzyme is highly specific, meaning it usually catalyzes only one or a few particular chemical reactions. This specificity is due to the unique three-dimensional structure of the enzyme, which includes an active site where the substrate (the molecule the enzyme acts upon) binds. The shape of the active site is complementary to the shape of the substrate, like a lock and key. Environmental factors such as temperature and pH can affect enzyme activity. Extreme conditions can cause an enzyme to denature, losing its functional shape and thus its catalytic ability. Enzymes are widely used in various industries, including food production, medicine, and biotechnology, for their ability to speed up specific chemical transformations.