Why are enzymes important?

Question

They help the cell maintain its shape.

They speed up chemical reactions.

They contain the genetic material.

They bring water into the cell.

Answer 1

Enzymes are important primarily because they speed up chemical reactions. They act as catalysts, which means they lower the activation energy required for a chemical reaction to occur. This allows reactions to occur at a much faster rate than they would without enzymes. Enzymes are involved in almost all physiological processes in the body, including digestion, metabolism, and cellular signaling. Without enzymes, these reactions would occur too slowly to sustain life.