Abstract
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Catalysts are species that accelerate chemical reactions without themselves being
consumed in the process. The most efficient catalysts by far are the catalysts of
biology, known as enzymes. The maintenance and creation of life in all its many
and varied forms on Earth depends on the ability of enzymes to speed chemical
Iransformations in biochemical systems. To this end, enzymes often display truly
amazing vigour, specificity, and reliability. The fact that life itself depends on the
action of enzymes testifies to their remarkable power.