Enzymes and their use

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All enzymes have some important properties:

They are all proteins, which is one reason why we need protein in our diet.
They are all biological catalysts. They speed up a reaction without being used up; this means they can be used over and over again.
A small amount of enzyme can effect the change of a large amount of chemical.
The way enzymes work is affected by temperature, pH and pressure. They can be denatured (destroyed) by excessive heat.
The reactions are reversible.
Enzymes are specific that is they control only one reaction. So maltase only acts on maltose, sucrase on sucrose etc.