An enzyme is a protein that weakens the bonds of a substrate. An example of a common substrate is starch found in pasta. When enzymes weaken chemical bonds, they increase the speed of any chemical reaction that might take place. Enzymes in your mouth called carbohydrase increase the speed that starch can be digested. The sugar molecules that result from the chemical reaction are known as products.
This image displays a substrate molecule attaching to an enzyme and undergoing a chemical reaction.
