Enzymes are catalysts Enzymes are capable of performing these tasks because, unlike food proteins such ascase in egg albumin, gelatine or soya protein, they are catalysts. This means that by their mere presence, and without being consumed in the process, enzymes can speed up chemical processes that would otherwise run very slowly, if at all. In other words, each enzyme can break down or synthesize one particular compound. In some cases, they limit their action to specific bonds in the compounds with which they react. Most proteases, for instance, can break down several types of protein, but in each protein molecule only certain bonds will be cleaved depending on which enzyme is used.
Enzymes are very efficient catalysts.
For example, the enzyme catalase, which is found abundantly in the liver and in the red blood cells, is so efficient that in one minute one enzyme molecule can catalyze the breakdown of five million molecules of hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen. Enzymes are part of a sustainable environment. Enzymes are present in all biological systems. They come from natural systems and when they are degraded, the amino acids of which they are made can be readily absorbed back into nature. Enzymes work only on renewable raw materials.