What is the primary role of enzymes in cellular processes?

Enzymes play a critical role in biochemical processes primarily by catalyzing reactions. This means they lower the activation energy required for a reaction to occur, thereby increasing the rate at which the reaction takes place. Enzymes are highly specific to the substrates they act upon, ensuring that metabolic pathways move efficiently and effectively. By facilitating these reactions, enzymes help maintain the balance of biological processes essential for life, such as digestion, respiration, and cellular repair.

In contrast, providing energy for reactions is not a function of enzymes; instead, they assist reactions that release or consume energy. While enzymes can be involved in processes that lead to energy production, such as cellular respiration, they do not store or provide energy themselves. Similarly, enzymes do not act as structural components in cells or store genetic information, which are roles fulfilled by other molecules, such as proteins and nucleic acids, respectively. Thus, the correct answer accurately captures the essential function of enzymes in cellular biology.