Question

enzymes are biomolecules made of long chains of amino acids. amylase is an enzyme found in human saliva that starts to break down starches when the food is in our mouth. which of the following best describes amylase?

it is a type of protein that speeds up chemical reactions

it is a type of carbohydrate that speeds up chemical reactions

it is a type of lipid that speeds up chemical reactions

it is a type of amino acid that speeds up chemical reactions

Explanation:

1. Recall the structure of enzymes: Enzymes are biomolecules made of long chains of amino acids. Proteins are made of amino acid chains.
2. Recall the function of enzymes: Enzymes act as catalysts, which means they speed up chemical reactions (like the breakdown of starches by amylase).
3. Analyze the options:

• Carbohydrates are made of sugar units, not amino acids, so the carbohydrate option is incorrect.
• Lipids are fats/oils and not made of amino acids, so the lipid option is incorrect.
• Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, but amylase is a whole enzyme (a protein), not a single amino acid, so the amino acid option is incorrect.
• The first option states it is a protein (made of amino acids) that speeds up chemical reactions, which matches the structure and function of amylase.

Answer:

It is a type of protein that speeds up chemical reactions