Enzyme Basics

Q: What is an enzyme?

A: An enzyme is a protein and biological catalyst that speeds up chemical reactions by lowering activation energy.

Q: Are enzymes used up in a reaction?

A: No, enzymes are reusable.

Q: What is activation energy?

A: The minimum energy needed to start a reaction; enzymes lower it.

Q: What does the term “biological catalyst” mean?

A: A substance made by living cells that speeds up reactions without being consumed.