What are enzymes?

Enzymes (known as “enzymes” in Vietnamese) are natural or synthetically produced protein substances with the ability to accelerate the rate of chemical reactions within living organisms. They play a crucial role in most biological processes that occur within the body, including metabolism, energy conversion, the synthesis of complex molecules, and maintaining intracellular balance.

Enzymes function by interacting with molecules called substrates and converting them into different products. The mechanism of enzyme action is achieved by reducing the activation energy required for chemical reactions to occur, making the process faster and more energy-efficient.

Each type of enzyme can specifically act on a single type or a small group of specific substrates, making them highly specific and essential for maintaining the life and biological processes of all living systems, from bacteria and viruses to plants and animals, including humans.

Enzymes are often named based on the substrates they act upon. For example, lactase is an enzyme that acts on lactose, amylase acts on starch, and lipase acts on fats (lipids).

Some important applications of enzymes in everyday life include their use in food technology, beer and wine production, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and scientific research.