Prepare for the VTCT Level 2 Facial and Skincare Test. Revise with flashcards and multiple choice questions, accompanied by insightful explanations. Ace your assessment with confidence!

Multiple Choice

Which are proteins that act as biological catalysts?

Enzymes are proteins that act as biological catalysts, speeding up chemical reactions inside living organisms by lowering the activation energy required to start those reactions. They do this with a specific active site where the substrate fits, which gives reactions a much quicker pathway than would occur on their own. Most enzymes are highly selective for their substrates and work best under particular conditions of temperature and pH. Many also need non-protein helpers called cofactors or coenzymes to function properly. This is why enzymes fit the description of proteins that act as biological catalysts. Hormones, while important signaling molecules that regulate processes, do not speed up reactions themselves. Keratins are structural proteins that provide support and strength to hair and nails, not catalysis. Antibodies are immune proteins that identify and help neutralize foreign invaders, rather than catalyze chemical reactions.

Enzymes are proteins that act as biological catalysts, speeding up chemical reactions inside living organisms by lowering the activation energy required to start those reactions. They do this with a specific active site where the substrate fits, which gives reactions a much quicker pathway than would occur on their own. Most enzymes are highly selective for their substrates and work best under particular conditions of temperature and pH. Many also need non-protein helpers called cofactors or coenzymes to function properly.

This is why enzymes fit the description of proteins that act as biological catalysts. Hormones, while important signaling molecules that regulate processes, do not speed up reactions themselves. Keratins are structural proteins that provide support and strength to hair and nails, not catalysis. Antibodies are immune proteins that identify and help neutralize foreign invaders, rather than catalyze chemical reactions.