Racemases are enzymes that catalyze the conversion of one enantiomer of a chiral molecule into another. This process is known as racemization, which is important in various biological and chemical contexts, as many compounds exist in two mirror-image forms, or enantiomers, that can have different properties and effects. These enzymes play a crucial role in the metabolism of certain drugs and natural products, influencing their efficacy and safety. Understanding racemases is essential in fields like pharmacology and biochemistry, where the activity of specific enantiomers can significantly impact therapeutic outcomes.