How Do Enzymes Function as Catalysts in Metabolic Pathways?
Enzymes are protein molecules that accelerate biochemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to proceed. Each enzyme is specific to a particular substrate and reaction, ensuring that metabolic pathways proceed with efficiency and regulation. For example, the enzyme hexokinase catalyzes the phosphorylation of glucose to glucose-6-phosphate, a critical step in glycolysis. Without such enzymatic catalysis, metabolic reactions would proceed too slowly to sustain life.
