Enzymes are central to the metabolic pathways that detoxify harmful substances, converting them into less harmful metabolites that can be excreted. The liver is the primary organ for detoxification, where enzymes such as cytochrome P450 oxidize toxins. This process often involves two phases: Phase I reactions introduce functional groups via oxidation, reduction, or hydrolysis, while Phase II reactions involve conjugation with molecules like glucuronic acid to increase water solubility.
