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Enzymes are biological catalysts, which are substances that increase the rate of a chemical reaction without themselves undergoing any permanent chemical change. In enzymatic reactions, the reactants are called substrates, and the enzyme binds to the substrate at its active site, forming an enzyme-substrate complex. This binding facilitates the conversion of the substrate into products. Enzymes are highly specific, meaning that each enzyme typically catalyzes only one or a small number of related reactions. This specificity arises from the unique three-dimensional shape of the enzyme, particularly its active site, which is complementary to the shape of its substrate.

The activity of enzymes can be influenced by various factors, including temperature, pH, and the presence of inhibitors or activators. Most enzymes function optimally within a narrow range of temperature and pH. Extreme conditions can lead to denaturation, a process where the enzyme loses its functional three-dimensional structure and thus its catalytic activity. Enzymes play crucial roles in virtually all biological processes, including digestion, metabolism, DNA replication, muscle contraction, and nerve function. Without enzymes, these essential life processes would occur too slowly to sustain life. Many enzymes are proteins, although some RNA molecules, called ribozymes, also possess catalytic activity.