Enzymes play a crucial role in metabolic processes by acting as catalysts that speed up chemical reactions within living organisms. They lower the activation energy required for reactions, allowing vital biochemical processes such as digestion, energy production, and cellular repair to occur efficiently and under mild conditions. Enzymes are highly specific to their substrates, ensuring that metabolic pathways function correctly. Without enzymes, many essential reactions would happen too slowly to sustain life, highlighting their importance in maintaining homeostasis and overall metabolic balance.