Can enzymes be used up by the reactions they catalyze?

Enzymes play a crucial role in biological reactions by acting as catalysts, which means they increase the rate of reactions without being consumed in the process. Once an enzyme binds with its substrate and facilitates the reaction, it releases the products and is free to bind with additional substrate molecules. This ability to be reused multiple times for the same reaction underscores the efficiency of enzymes in biochemical processes.

In contrast, some other molecules involved in biochemical reactions, like substrates or cofactors, may be altered or consumed, but enzymes do not fall into that category as they retain their original structure and function after each reaction cycle. This characteristic makes enzymes essential tools in metabolic pathways, allowing for rapid and efficient biochemical reactions throughout the cell.