Enzymes are biological polymers that catalyze biochemical reactions and are comprised of amino acids linked together in polypeptide chains. Enzymes react with substrates and convert them into distinct product molecules. They are classified based on the type of reaction they catalyze such as oxidoreductases, transferases, hydrolases, lyases, isomerases, and ligases. Enzyme activity is affected by temperature, pH, substrate concentration, salt concentration, and presence of cofactors or inhibitors. Enzymes play important roles in processes like signal transduction, breaking down molecules, energy generation, and ion transport.