Question

What do we call substances like amylase and protease which speed up the chemical reactions?

Answer 1

Enzymes, which are catalysts.

Explanation:

Typically enzymes that catalyze reactions are proteins, and they're effective because they lower the activation energy necessary for a reaction to occur. The reactions are capable of occuring without the aid of the enzymes, but the amount of time it takes for the reactions to occur may not be capable of supporting life.