What is a key characteristic of proteins?

Proteins are key biomolecules that perform a wide variety of functions in living organisms, and one of their important roles is that they can act as catalysts. This is primarily done through a specific type of proteins known as enzymes. Enzymes speed up biochemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required for those reactions to occur. This catalytic function is essential for numerous biological processes, including digestion and metabolism.

The unique structure of proteins, determined by the sequence of amino acids, provides them with the ability to interact with specific substrates, making them highly efficient in their catalytic roles. Each enzyme is tailored to facilitate a particular reaction, reflecting the complexity and versatility of proteins in biological systems.