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Enzymes are biological catalysts, typically proteins, that speed up biochemical reactions within living organisms. They achieve this by binding to specific molecules, called substrates, and lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur. This binding typically happens at a specific region on the enzyme known as the active site. The enzyme-substrate complex then undergoes a transformation, resulting in the formation of products. After the reaction, the enzyme is released unchanged and can catalyze further reactions. This specificity of enzymes is crucial for regulating metabolic pathways and maintaining cellular functions. Without enzymes, many essential biological processes would occur too slowly to sustain life. The rate at which enzymes function can be influenced by factors such as temperature, pH, and the concentration of the substrate and enzyme. Enzymes are vital for a vast array of biological processes, including digestion, DNA replication, muscle contraction, and energy production. Their ability to precisely control chemical reactions makes them indispensable components of all living systems.