Pharma IQ Glossary: Enzyme

An Enzyme is defined as any of numerous proteins or conjugated proteins produced by living organisms and functioning as complex biochemical catalysts. They not only promote reactions but also function as regulators making sure the organism do not produce too much or too little of any chemical substance. Although all enzymes are proteins, many contain additional non-protein components essential for catalytic activity. Such enzymes are termed haloenzymes. The protein part of this enzyme is termed an apoenzyme and the non-amino acid part is termed a coenzyme.