key term - Protein

Definition

Proteins are large biomolecules made up of long chains of amino acids that perform various functions in cells. They play critical roles in processes such as metabolism, cell signaling, and structural support.

Related terms

Enzyme:

Enzymes are proteins that act as catalysts for chemical reactions. They speed up biochemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required for them to occur.

Polypeptide: A polypeptide is a chain of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds before it folds into its functional protein structure.

Protein Synthesis:

Protein synthesis is the process by which cells build proteins using instructions encoded in their DNA through transcription and translation.