Human Biochemistry, Volume 1 - Murray R. 1993

Structure and Functions of Proteins and Enzymes
Enzymes: General Properties
Introduction

Catalysts are substances that accelerate Chemical Reactions; during the reaction they undergo physical changes, but upon its completion they return to their initial state. Enzymes are protein catalysts of biochemical reactions, most of which would proceed extremely slowly in the absence of enzymes. Unlike non-protein catalysts (H+, OH-, Metal Ions), each enzyme is capable of catalyzing only a very small number of reactions, often just one. Thus, enzymes are reaction-specific catalysts. Virtually all biochemical reactions are catalyzed by enzymes.



Last update: 06/08/2026

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