In biochemistry, the product of an enzyme is a substance that is formed as a result of a chemical reaction facilitated by that enzyme. Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur. When substrates, which are the reactants, bind to the enzyme’s active site, they undergo a transformation, leading to the formation of products.
For instance, in the case of the enzyme amylase, which breaks down starch into sugars, the product would be maltose and glucose. The specificity of enzymes means that each enzyme typically acts on a specific substrate, resulting in specific products. This mechanism is crucial for various metabolic processes in living organisms, as it allows for the efficient production of the substances needed for life.