What does the suffix "ASE" indicate when found at the end of a word?

The suffix "ASE" is commonly used in biochemistry to denote enzymes. Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in living organisms. By attaching "ASE" to the root of a word, it specifies that the substance has enzymatic activity. For example, lactase is an enzyme that breaks down lactose, and amylase is an enzyme that helps in the digestion of starches. Understanding that "ASE" indicates an enzymatic function is crucial in the study of both biology and chemistry, particularly when discussing metabolic processes and digestive functions.

In contrast, the other options refer to different biological compounds: hormones are signaling molecules in the body, proteins can serve various roles including structural and functional, and vitamins are essential nutrients required in small amounts for various biochemical functions. Therefore, while those terms relate to important biological processes, they do not share the specific association with the suffix "ASE" that enzymes do.