Choose the best description: enzymes are primarily which type of compounds produced by living organisms?

Introduction / Context:
Enzymes catalyze biological reactions. Identifying their chemical nature clarifies how they are encoded, synthesized, and regulated within cells and why environmental conditions affect them.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Most enzymes are proteins (polypeptides) encoded by genes.
• Some RNA molecules (ribozymes) also possess catalytic activity but are still organic macromolecules.
• The question contrasts organic versus inorganic composition.

Concept / Approach:
Enzymes are organic biological molecules (proteins or, in some cases, RNA). They are produced by living organisms via gene expression and post-translational processing. Inorganic compounds (e.g., metals) may serve as cofactors, but they are not themselves enzymes in the biological sense.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Protein purification and sequencing, as well as ribozyme discovery, confirm the organic macromolecular nature of enzymes.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Inorganic compounds: Metals may be cofactors but are not the enzyme macromolecule. Organic as well as inorganic compounds / all of these: Overbroad; the enzyme proper is organic, not inorganic.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing cofactors (metal ions) with the enzyme. The holoenzyme may include inorganic cofactors, but the catalytic scaffold is organic.

Final Answer:
organic compounds produced by living organism