What is the function of enzymes in biological systems?

Enzymes play a crucial role in biological systems primarily by acting as catalysts that speed up chemical reactions. These reactions are essential for various physiological processes, and enzymes facilitate these reactions by lowering the activation energy required for them to occur. This means that enzymes significantly increase the rate at which reactions can take place, which is vital for sustaining life, especially under conditions where temperature and other environmental factors must remain stable.

In many biological reactions, maintaining a constant temperature is necessary for the proper functioning of organisms. If reactions were to occur without the action of enzymes, they might proceed too slowly to support life. Enzymes ensure that even at relatively low temperatures, reactions can happen quickly enough to meet the metabolic demands of the cell. This catalytic function is why option B is the correct choice, emphasizing the role of enzymes in facilitating biochemical reactions crucial for life.