ENZYME

Any of numerous proteins or conjugated proteins produced by living organisms and functioning as biochemical catalysts. Specifically, an organic catalyst that accelerates (catalyzes) specific transformations of material in plants and animals. Enzymes are elaborated by cells, but their action is independent of life processes and they are not consumed in the course of their action. They occur in all tissues, particularly in digestive secretions, and are of greatest importance for the cellular processes or the digestion and utilization of food.