Enzýmu

Enzýmu are biological catalysts, predominantly proteins, that accelerate the rate of biochemical reactions within living organisms. They function by binding to specific reactant molecules, known as substrates, at their active site, forming an enzyme-substrate complex. This interaction lowers the activation energy required for the reaction to occur, thereby speeding up the conversion of substrates into products. Enzymes are highly specific, meaning each enzyme typically catalyzes only one or a very limited range of reactions, due to the precise three-dimensional shape of their active site, which complements the shape of their substrate.

The activity of enzymes can be influenced by various factors, including temperature, pH, and the concentration of substrates and inhibitors. Optimal conditions exist for each enzyme, where its catalytic efficiency is maximized. Deviations from these optimal conditions can lead to a decrease in enzyme activity or even denaturation, a process where the enzyme loses its functional structure and thus its catalytic ability. Enzymes play crucial roles in virtually all cellular processes, from digestion and metabolism to DNA replication and muscle contraction, making them essential for life.