Enzymes accelerate chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to proceed. They do this through a specific interaction with the substrate, the molecule upon which the enzyme acts.
When a substrate binds to an enzyme’s active site, it forms an enzyme-substrate complex. This binding changes the shape of the enzyme slightly, bringing the substrate molecules closer together and in the optimal orientation for a reaction. This process effectively facilitates the breaking and forming of bonds.
By reducing the energy barrier, enzymes allow reactions to occur at a much faster rate than they would without the enzyme. It’s important to note that enzymes are not consumed in the reaction, meaning they can be used repeatedly, making them incredibly efficient catalysts in biological systems.