What type of molecule are enzymes primarily composed of?

Enzymes are primarily composed of proteins. They are biological catalysts that increase the rate of chemical reactions in living organisms without being consumed in the process. The structure of enzymes is critical to their function, as the specific sequence of amino acids in their polypeptide chains folds into unique three-dimensional shapes that determine their activity and specificity for substrates.

The active site of an enzyme, where substrate molecules bind and undergo a chemical reaction, is formed by the arrangement of these amino acids. This structural complexity allows enzymes to facilitate biochemical processes, such as digestion and metabolic pathways, effectively. The capability of enzymes to lower activation energy and accelerate reactions is crucial for maintaining life and supporting cellular functions. Thus, the protein composition of enzymes is foundational to their role in biochemistry.