What type of macromolecules include enzymes that catalyze biochemical reactions?

Enzymes are a specific type of macromolecule crucial for catalyzing biochemical reactions, and they fall under the category of proteins. Proteins are made up of long chains of amino acids that fold into specific three-dimensional structures. This unique structure is essential for their function, as it allows enzymes to bind to substrates and lower the activation energy required for reactions to occur, thereby increasing the reaction rate.

While the other categories of macromolecules serve essential roles in biological processes, they do not generally function as enzymes. Carbohydrates primarily serve as energy sources and structural components, nucleic acids encode genetic information and are involved in protein synthesis, and lipids are key components of cell membranes and energy storage molecules. Therefore, when considering the biochemical role of catalyzing reactions, proteins stand out as the macromolecules that function as enzymes.