Question

What name is given to proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions in the cell?

Short answer

The name given to proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions in the cell is enzymes. These biological catalysts speed up chemical reactions by lowering activation energy, enabling cells to carry out essential processes efficiently and with high specificity.

Step-by-step solution

Definition of the term

The name given to proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions in the cell is enzymes.

Role of enzymes in the cell

Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up the rate of chemical reactions within a cell. They do this by lowering the activation energy required to initiate a reaction, thus making the reaction proceed more quickly and efficiently. This allows the cell to carry out its essential processes in a timely manner. Enzymes are highly specific, meaning that they will only catalyze specific reactions with specific substrates.

Examples of enzymatic reactions

Some examples of enzymatic reactions include: 1. Amylase: This enzyme breaks down starches into simple sugars. 2. Protease: Protease enzymes break down proteins into smaller peptides or individual amino acids. 3. Lipase: Lipase enzymes break down fats (lipids) into fatty acids and glycerol. In conclusion, the name given to proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions in the cell is enzymes. These proteins play a crucial role in speeding up chemical reactions and allowing cells to function efficiently.