What are Enzymes?

Enzymes are like special helpers in our body that speed up reactions. They’re a bit like locks.

What about the things they act on?

The substances that enzymes act on are called substrates. They’re a bit like keys.

How do they work together?

When the right key (substrate) fits into the lock (enzyme), the enzyme can do its job to help break down or build up molecules quickly. This special place where the substrate fits into the enzyme is called the active site.

What happens after the reaction?

The enzyme remains unchanged after the reaction and can be used over and over again.