Enzymes are large proteins made up of long chains of amino acids. They have a unique three-dimensional structure that allows them to interact with specific molecules in order to speed up chemical reactions. Enzymes work by binding to a specific substrate molecule, which is then transformed into a product molecule through a series of chemical reactions. Enzymes are highly specific, meaning that they will only interact with one particular substrate molecule. This specificity is due to the unique shape of the enzyme’s active site, which is the region of the enzyme that binds to the substrate molecule. The active site is specifically designed to fit the shape of the substrate molecule, allowing for a precise and efficient reaction.

Enzymes work by lowering the activation energy needed for a chemical reaction to occur. The activation energy is the energy required to break the bonds between the atoms of the substrate molecule, allowing them to be rearranged into the product molecule. Enzymes achieve this by providing an alternative pathway for the reaction that has a lower activation energy. This means that the reaction can occur at a faster rate, without the need for additional energy.