Enzymes are globular proteins that act as biological catalysts, speeding up chemical reactions without being consumed. They are typically named after their substrate with the suffix "-ase". Enzyme activity can be monitored by measuring changes in substrate or product concentration. Mass spectrometry provides an alternative detection method without needing a chromophore. The enzyme binds its substrate at the active site, forming an enzyme-substrate complex. This lowers the activation energy and allows the reaction to proceed, with the unaltered enzyme then dissociating to catalyze more reactions. Kinetic analysis reveals the individual reaction steps and how enzyme activity is controlled.