Enzymes are biological catalysts that accelerate chemical reactions in living organisms. Here are several characteristics that define enzymes:
- Biological Catalysts: Enzymes speed up reactions without being consumed in the process.
- Specificity: Each enzyme typically works on a specific substrate or group of substrates.
- Active Site: Enzymes have a specific region called the active site where substrates bind.
- Temperature and pH Sensitivity: Enzymes function optimally at certain temperature and pH levels.
With that in mind, a statement that does not define an enzyme would likely be something that contradicts these characteristics, such as:
- "Enzymes are consumed in the chemical reactions they catalyze."
This statement is inaccurate because enzymes participate in reactions without being permanently altered or consumed.