Final answer:
Proteins regulate body functions as hormones, enzymes, and immune system components.
Step-by-step explanation:
Proteins play a crucial role in regulating body functions in several ways:
- Proteins can act as hormones, which are chemical messengers that help control and coordinate various body processes. For example, growth hormone regulates skeletal growth.
- Proteins can also act as enzymes, which speed up chemical reactions in the body. Enzymes are involved in processes such as metabolism and digestion.
- Proteins are essential for the functioning of the immune system. Antibodies, which are proteins, help defend the body against foreign substances like bacteria.