Final answer:
Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required.
Step-by-step explanation:
Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up the rate of chemical reactions in living organisms. They do this by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur. Enzymes work by binding to specific molecules called substrates and facilitating the conversion of substrates into products.
For example, the enzyme amylase helps break down starch into simple sugars. Without amylase, this process would take much longer to occur naturally. Enzymes can also be influenced by factors such as temperature and pH, which can affect their activity.
In summary, enzymes play a crucial role in speeding up chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required. They enable vital biological processes to occur more efficiently.
Learn more about Effect of enzymes on chemical reactions