Enzymes are primarily classified as which type of biomolecule?

Enzymes are primarily classified as proteins. This classification is based on their structure and function. Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in the body, and they achieve this through their complex three-dimensional structures, which are formed by chains of amino acids linked by peptide bonds. This characteristic is essential for the enzyme's ability to bind to substrates and facilitate chemical reactions effectively.

Furthermore, the specific shape and charge of an enzyme determine its specificity for particular substrates, which is crucial for the functioning of metabolic pathways in living organisms. Each enzyme has an active site, a specific region where the substrate binds, and the shape and properties of this site are inherent to the protein structure of the enzyme.

Nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids serve various roles in biological systems but do not function as enzymes. For instance, nucleic acids store and transmit genetic information, carbohydrates primarily provide energy, and lipids are involved in membrane structure and energy storage. Therefore, the classification of enzymes as proteins is grounded in their biochemical properties and roles in biological processes.