Proteins that act to speed up body processes are called

• A. Hormones
• B. Enzymes
• C. Antibodies
• D. Carbohydrates

Answer: (B)

Enzymes are proteins that act as catalysts to speed up chemical reactions in the body. They do this by lowering the activation energy, the energy barrier a reaction must overcome, so reactions occur more rapidly at body temperature. Each enzyme has a specific shape with an active site that binds a matching substrate, giving it precision in which reactions it can accelerate. This catalytic role is why they control the rate of many metabolic processes, from digestion to energy production.

Hormones are signaling molecules that regulate activities between organs, not direct catalysts. Antibodies are immune system proteins that recognize and neutralize foreign invaders. Carbohydrates are energy-containing molecules or structural components, not catalysts.