Which of the following statements is true about enzymes?

Enzymes are biological catalysts that play a crucial role in accelerating chemical reactions within living organisms. The correct statement is that they speed up chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to proceed. This allows biological processes to occur more rapidly and efficiently, which is essential for maintaining life.

Enzymes achieve this catalytic effect by binding to their specific substrates, forming an enzyme-substrate complex. This interaction stabilizes the transition state of the reaction, making it easier for the reaction to occur. Enzymes remain unchanged after the reaction, which allows them to catalyze multiple reactions over time without being consumed or permanently altered in the process.

In contrast, other statements make inaccurate claims about the nature of enzymes. For instance, enzymes are not consumed in a reaction, meaning they can be reused multiple times. They do not result in the formation of new enzymes; instead, they facilitate the conversion of substrates into products. Additionally, enzymes typically operate within a specific temperature range that is optimal for their activity. While high temperatures can sometimes enhance reaction rates, excessively high temperatures can lead to denaturation, rendering the enzyme inactive.