Enzyme regulation refers to the mechanisms that control the activity of enzymes, which are proteins that speed up chemical reactions in the body. This regulation ensures that metabolic processes occur at the right time and in the right amounts, preventing waste and maintaining homeostasis. There are several ways enzymes can be regulated, including allosteric regulation, where molecules bind to an enzyme at a site other than the active site, altering its activity. Another method is covalent modification, such as phosphorylation, where chemical groups are added or removed, changing the enzyme's function and activity level.