Final answer:
Vitamins are necessary for enzyme function because they frequently serve as coenzymes, which help enzymes catalyze reactions and are essential for various bodily processes including metabolism.
Step-by-step explanation:
In terms of enzyme function, vitamins and minerals are necessary for good health. Vitamins function as coenzymes, which are required for protein enzymes to work. They play various roles in the body, including maintaining normal vision and aiding in blood clotting. Minerals, on the other hand, are inorganic chemical elements that are necessary for many body processes. They are not synthesized biologically and are essential nutrients. They include macrominerals, needed in relatively large quantities, and trace minerals, needed in smaller quantities.
Most vitamins are necessary for enzyme function. This is because they often act as coenzymes or cofactors, which are substances that many enzymes require to catalyze reactions effectively. Enzymes rely on these molecules to help in converting substrates to end-products. The B vitamins, in particular, play a significant role in metabolism by acting as coenzymes for energy metabolism. Additionally, some minerals also function as cofactors, such as zinc, magnesium, potassium, and iron that are necessary for various enzymes to work.