Enzymes

Enzymes, which are produced by living cells, are catalysts in biochemical reactions and are usually complex or conjugated proteins. Each enzyme is specific for the substrate it acts on. The enzyme may help in breakdown, rearrangement, or synthesis reactions. Enzymes that break down their substrates are called catabolic enzymes, enzymes that build more complex molecules from their substrates are called anabolic enzymes, and enzymes that affect the rate of reaction are called catalytic enzymes. It should be noted that all enzymes increase the rate of reaction. Therefore, they are considered to be organic catalysts.