What is the primary role of enzymes in biological systems?

Enzymes play a crucial role in biological systems primarily by catalyzing chemical reactions. This means that they facilitate and accelerate reactions without being consumed in the process, allowing metabolic pathways to occur efficiently. Enzymes lower the activation energy required for reactions, enabling them to proceed at a rate that supports life.

The catalytic action of enzymes is vital for numerous biological processes, including digestion, metabolism, and DNA replication. Each enzyme is specific to a particular substrate, which means they can selectively facilitate specific reactions essential for cell function and organization.

Transporting nutrients, storing energy, and producing hormones are all essential biological processes, but they are not the primary function of enzymes. Rather, enzymes can aid in the processes that occur during nutrient transport and energy storage, and some enzymes are involved in the production of hormones, but their main role remains as catalysts for chemical reactions.