What is the role of proteins in biological systems?

Proteins play vital roles in biological systems, and one of their key functions is to make up enzymes and antibodies. Enzymes are proteins that act as catalysts to speed up chemical reactions within cells, facilitating crucial processes such as metabolism, DNA replication, and digestion. Without enzymes, many of these reactions would occur too slowly to sustain life.

Antibodies, on the other hand, are specialized proteins produced by the immune system to help defend the body against pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. They recognize and bind to specific antigens on the surface of these pathogens, marking them for destruction by other immune cells.

Together, enzymes and antibodies exemplify the diverse and essential roles that proteins play in maintaining the biological functions necessary for life, including metabolic processes, immune responses, and much more. This illustrates the significance of proteins beyond mere structure, highlighting their active participation in vital biochemical processes.