What is the function of enzymes as proposed by Beadle and Tatum's hypothesis?

The correct response highlights that enzymes serve as catalysts for biochemical reactions, aligning with the central tenets established by Beadle and Tatum's hypothesis. Their work was pivotal in demonstrating that specific genes correspond to specific enzymes, indicating that genetic information is expressed through the production of proteins that catalyze biochemical processes. Enzymes lower the activation energy required for reactions, facilitating quicker and more efficient metabolic processes essential for cellular function and development.

In this context, understanding the role of enzymes as catalysts underscores the broader implications of how genes regulate biological activities, ultimately linking the processes of transcription and translation to the enzymatic functions that sustain life. This connection is foundational in molecular biology and biochemistry, emphasizing the integral role enzymes play in enabling various biochemical pathways within the cell.