What is the function of a biological catalyst?

A biological catalyst functions by speeding up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process. This means that after facilitating a reaction, the catalyst retains its original structure and can be used repeatedly for additional reactions. In biological systems, enzymes serve as the primary type of biological catalyst, enabling essential biochemical reactions to occur at rates that sustain life.

In contrast, the other options present characteristics that do not align with the definition of a biological catalyst. Options implying restrictions, such as only functioning under specific conditions or decreasing reaction rates, describe properties of other phenomena but not a catalyst's role. Additionally, a catalyst does not alter the products of a reaction; it merely facilitates the reaction to reach equilibrium more quickly. Understanding this fundamental role highlights the importance of biological catalysts in metabolism, digestion, and countless biological processes.