Enzymes are essential biological molecules that function as catalysts, significantly speeding up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process. This means that enzymes remain unchanged after the reaction, allowing them to participate in multiple reactions over time. In the absence of enzymes, reactions occur at a much slower rate, which is not conducive to sustaining life.
When comparing enzymatic and non-enzymatic reactions, the presence of an enzyme accelerates the conversion of reactants into products. In enzymatic reactions, the reactants are specifically referred to as substrates, highlighting the involvement of an enzyme. While substrates and reactants essentially refer to the same components in a chemical reaction, the term "substrates" indicates that an enzyme is facilitating the reaction.
Understanding the role of enzymes and substrates is crucial as they are fundamental to biochemical processes. As we delve deeper into the study of enzymes, we will explore their mechanisms, functions, and the various factors that influence their activity, enhancing our comprehension of biological reactions.