Enzymes are primarily composed of proteins, which are a type of macromolecule. Proteins are made up of long chains of amino acids that fold into specific shapes, allowing them to perform various functions in the body. Enzymes, in particular, act as biological catalysts, speeding up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process.
The specific structure of an enzyme, including its active site, is crucial for its function. The active site is where the substrate binds and the reaction takes place. This specificity is due to the unique sequence of amino acids in the protein, which determines the enzyme’s three-dimensional shape and, consequently, its function.
In summary, enzymes are a type of protein, and proteins are one of the four main types of macromolecules found in living organisms, alongside carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids.