Enzymes

Enzymes are catalytic proteins that accelerate the rate of biological reactions while experiencing no permanent chemical modification as a result of their participation in a reaction. In order to initiate a reaction from a reactant (called a substrate) to a product, a certain amount of energy, otherwise known as the activation energy (EA), is required. An enzyme functions by lowering the required activation energy (which is usually provided by heat), thus, expediting the reaction. Enzymes may function in lowering the activation energy by bending and weakening the bonds between the reactants. Since the bonds become weakened by the enzymes, the amount of heat that is required to agitate and break the bonds is redu...