Enzyme assays are laboratory techniques used to measure the activity of enzymes, which are proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions. These assays help researchers understand how enzymes function, their efficiency, and how they can be affected by various factors such as temperature, pH, and the presence of inhibitors or activators. There are different types of enzyme assays, including colorimetric, fluorometric, and radioactive assays, each utilizing specific methods to detect and quantify enzyme activity. By analyzing the results, scientists can gain insights into metabolic pathways and develop applications in fields like biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and clinical diagnostics.