Abstract

Role of Enzymes in Cellular Metabolism

Author(s): Ananya Chatterjee

Enzymes play a fundamental role in regulating cellular metabolism by accelerating biochemical reactions essential for life. These biological catalysts ensure metabolic efficiency, specificity, and regulation under physiological conditions. Enzymes lower activation energy, enabling complex metabolic pathways such as glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation to proceed rapidly and accurately. Their activity is tightly regulated through mechanisms including allosteric control, covalent modification, and feedback inhibition. Environmental factors such as pH, temperature, and substrate concentration significantly influence enzyme efficiency. Understanding enzyme kinetics and regulation provides insights into metabolic disorders and therapeutic strategies. Advances in enzyme research have also contributed to industrial biotechnology, pharmaceutical development, and clinical diagnostics. This article elaborates on the biochemical significance of enzymes in sustaining cellular metabolism and maintaining homeostasis.