A biochemical reaction is the transformation of one molecule to a different molecule inside a cell. Biochemical reactions are mediated by enzymes, which are biological catalysts that can alter the rate and specificity of chemical reactions inside cells. Enzymes and Biochemical Reactions:  Human body temperature must remain within a narrow range around 37 °C (98.6 °F). At this temperature, most biochemical reactions would occur too slowly to keep us alive. That's where enzymes come in. Enzymes are biochemical catalysts. They speed up biochemical reactions not only in humans but in virtually... Show more

A biochemical reaction is the transformation of one molecule to a different molecule inside a cell. Biochemical reactions are mediated by enzymes, which are biological catalysts that can alter the rate and specificity of chemical reactions inside cells.

Enzymes and Biochemical Reactions:  Human body temperature must remain within a narrow range around 37 °C (98.6 °F). At this temperature, most biochemical reactions would occur too slowly to keep us alive. That's where enzymes come in. Enzymes are biochemical catalysts. They speed up biochemical reactions not only in humans but in virtually all living things.    
Most enzymes are proteins.    
The human body produces many enzymes that help digest food. Two examples are amylase and pepsin.    
- Amylase in found in saliva in the mouth. It catalyzes the breakdown of starches to sugars.    
- Pepsin is found in fluid in the stomach. It catalyzes the breakdown of proteins to amino acids.    

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