What is an enzyme?

Enzymes are proteins - the primary constituents of living things. Their role is to ensure that biochemical reactions within our cells are run. Without enzymes, those reactions simply wouldn?t occur or would run too slowly to sustain life. Enzymes are responsible for building up and breaking down all biological material. They occur naturally in all living organisms, including human beings. Enzymes in food have been used for centuries such as beer, cheese, and wine.