What role do enzymes play in biochemical reactions?

Enzymes are biological molecules, typically proteins, that act as catalysts in biochemical reactions. Their primary role is to increase the rate of these reactions without undergoing any permanent change themselves or being consumed in the process. As catalysts, enzymes lower the activation energy required for a reaction to occur, making it easier and faster for substrates to be converted into products. This speed-up of reactions is crucial for various metabolic processes in living organisms, allowing them to respond to changes in their environment and maintain homeostasis efficiently. Thus, enzymes not only facilitate the biochemical reactions necessary for life but also ensure that these processes happen under conditions that would otherwise be too slow to sustain life.