What is the first function of an enzyme?

The first function of an enzyme is to enhance the reaction rate. Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in living organisms without being consumed in the process. By lowering the activation energy required for a reaction, enzymes make it easier and faster for reactants to convert into products. This function is crucial in metabolic pathways, where efficient reaction rates are necessary for sustaining life.

While enzymes may also play a role in holding substrates in place and facilitating their conversion into products, this is part of the broader functionality of enhancing the reaction rate. The primary reason for the existence of enzymes in biological systems is to increase the speed of metabolic reactions, allowing organisms to maintain homeostasis and respond to changes in their environment efficiently.