What are proteins developed by the immune system that recognize specific molecules called?

Proteins developed by the immune system that recognize specific molecules are called antibodies. These antibodies are specialized proteins produced by B cells in response to antigens, which are foreign substances that provoke an immune response. Each antibody is unique and designed to bind to a specific antigen, which allows the immune system to identify and neutralize pathogens such as bacteria and viruses effectively.

Antibodies play a crucial role in the body's defense mechanism by binding to their corresponding antigens, marking them for destruction by other immune cells or neutralizing their harmful effects directly. This specificity is key to the adaptive immune response, where the body can develop a memory of specific antigens for faster and stronger responses upon future exposures.

The other options represent different types of molecules that serve various functions in the body, but they do not specifically relate to the immune response in the same way that antibodies do. Enzymes facilitate biochemical reactions, hormones act as signaling molecules within the body's systems, and pathogens refer to the actual microorganisms that can cause disease, all of which are distinct from the role of antibodies in the immune system.