Final answer:
Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy. They are protein molecules that bind to specific substrates and convert them into products. Enzymes are highly specific and their activity can be influenced by temperature, pH, and substrate concentration.
Step-by-step explanation:
Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur. They are usually proteins that bind to specific substrates and convert them into products. Enzymes work by altering the shape of the substrate and facilitating the formation of the product.
For example, the enzyme amylase found in saliva breaks down starch into smaller sugar molecules like maltose. This process aids in the digestion of carbohydrates.
Enzymes are highly specific in their action, and their activity can be influenced by factors such as temperature, pH, and substrate concentration.
Learn more about Enzymes in Biology