Enzymes are a biological catalyst. When a chemical reaction is taking place the enzyme works to lower the activation energy of a reaction. The activation energy is, the amount of energy that is required in order for a reaction to take place. Enzymes bind to reactant molecules. The enzymes hold these molecules in a way that makes the processes of the chemical bond-breaking and bond-forming take place more readily. A reaction can be either energy-releasing or energy-absorbing. Enzymes have no effect on this. This is because enzymes have no affect on the free energy possessed by the reactants or products. Enzymes instead work to lower the energy required to reach the transition state. The transition state is an unstable state that responds to
