Enzymes are composed of groups of amino acids that act as catalysts to govern the speed of most of the chemical reactions involved in the metabolism of living systems. The name enzyme was coined in 1867 by German physiologist Wilhelm Kuhne. Scientists have now identified more than 700 enzymes. Enzymes are broken down into several different groups according to their activity. For example, enzymes that aid in oxidation are known as oxidases while enzymes involved in the removal of oxygen or the donation of electrons are called reductases.
Enzymes are extraordinarily efficient.
Minute quantities of enzymes can accomplish what would require violent reagents and high temperatures by ordinary chemical means. For example, one ounce of pure pepsin would be capable of digesting nearly 4,000 pounds of egg white in a few hours. 1 Metabolic Enzymes. These enzymes are produced in every cell of the body and perform specific biochemical reactions in the tissues and organs of the body. 2 Digestive Enzymes.