What type of proteins act as catalysts in specific biochemical reactions?

Enzymes are specialized proteins that function as catalysts in biochemical reactions. By lowering the activation energy required for reactions to proceed, enzymes accelerate the rate at which these reactions occur. They achieve this by binding to substrates (the molecules upon which they act) and stabilizing the transition state, which facilitates a quicker conversion to product. This catalytic activity is highly specific, meaning that each enzyme typically acts on a specific substrate or group of substrates, ensuring that biochemical processes within the cell are efficient and regulated.

The role of enzymes is crucial in various biological processes, including metabolism, DNA replication, and signal transduction. Without enzymes, many vital reactions would occur too slowly to sustain life. Each enzyme's structure is intricately designed to promote only particular reactions, highlighting the importance of specificity in biochemical pathways.