The EVM executes contract calls
BNB Smart Chain uses Ethereum-compatible addresses and contract logic. A wallet signs a transaction, the network validates it, and the Ethereum Virtual Machine executes the requested contract calls. The same address format does not make two networks interchangeable; assets and contracts live on a specific chain.
BNB pays for computation
Gas measures the work a transaction asks validators to perform. The gas price and gas used determine the fee paid in BNB. A failed contract call can still consume gas because the network performed work before rejecting the state change.
BEP-20 tokens are contracts
A BEP-20 balance follows rules in a token contract. Before a decentralized exchange can spend a token, the owner commonly signs an approval. Unlimited approvals remain active until revoked, so a malicious or compromised spender can be dangerous after the original trade.
Pools quote the next trade
Decentralized exchanges use paired reserves such as token and WBNB. A buy removes tokens and adds quote value; a sell does the reverse. Larger orders move the reserve ratio further and receive a worse average price. Market cap does not tell you how much BNB is available for an exit.
Token code can change the outcome
A token may charge transfer tax, block selected addresses, limit sells, change fees or route value to another wallet. Inspect verified contract code, ownership controls, holder concentration and a small sell before treating a displayed balance as liquid.
Approval is permission. Read the chain, token address, spender and amount before signing. A familiar wallet popup does not make an unfamiliar contract safe.
Primary reference: the official BNB Smart Chain introduction and consensus overview. Confirm current gas, finality and network settings there.