What is a primary characteristic of enzymes?

Enzymes are biological catalysts that facilitate chemical reactions in living organisms, and one of their most significant characteristics is that they function optimally within a specific range of pH and temperature. Each enzyme has an ideal environment where it maintains its structure and activity level, which significantly affects its ability to catalyze reactions. For instance, enzymes like pepsin work best in the acidic conditions of the stomach, while others, such as amylase in saliva, thrive in neutral pH. Deviations from these optimal conditions can lead to decreased enzymatic activity or even denaturation, where the enzyme loses its functional shape. This specificity for environmental conditions highlights the delicate nature of enzyme functionality and underscores the importance of maintaining homeostasis within biological systems.