What type of biological macromolecule is an enzyme?

Enzymes are classified as proteins, which are a type of biological macromolecule. They play a crucial role in catalyzing biochemical reactions, meaning they accelerate chemical reactions within the body without being consumed in the process. Enzymes possess specific functional groups that allow them to interact with substrates, forming an enzyme-substrate complex that lowers the activation energy needed for the reaction to occur.

Proteins, including enzymes, are composed of long chains of amino acids, which fold into unique three-dimensional shapes that are essential for their functionality. The specific structure of an enzyme determines its activity and specificity, allowing it to interact with particular substrates. In contrast, carbohydrates serve primarily as energy sources and structural components, lipids are involved in long-term energy storage and cellular membrane structure, and nucleic acids (like DNA and RNA) are primarily responsible for storing and transmitting genetic information. Hence, the categorization of enzymes as proteins is foundational in biochemistry and molecular biology, highlighting their essential role in metabolic processes.