Proteins: The building blocks of life
Proteins: The building blocks of life
proteins: The building blocks of life
Proteins are one of the most important substances in the human body. They are the building blocks of life and fulfill a variety of functions that are essential for the proper process of biological processes.
What are proteins?
Proteins are large molecules made from chains of amino acids. There are a total of 20 different amino acids from which the proteins can be composed. These amino acids are connected by a chemical reaction that is known as a peptide bond. The final protein structure is determined by the specific sequence of the amino acids.
proteins can take very different shapes and have a variety of functions. They can act as enzymes, catalyze biochemical reactions, serve as structural proteins to give cells their shape, as a van to transport molecules through the cell membrane, as antibodies for combating infections and as hormones to regulate different body functions.
The meaning of protein in the body
Proteins are involved in almost all biological processes and fulfill a variety of important functions in the body. Here are some examples of the importance of proteins:
1. Structure and movement
Proteins form the basis for the structure of cells, tissues and organs. Collagen, the most common protein in the body, forms the basis for skin, tendons, cartilage and bones. Aktin and myosine are proteins that are involved in muscle contraction and enable us to move.
2. Enzymes and catalysts
Proteins serve as enzymes that catalyze biochemical reactions in the body. Enzymes accelerate the process of chemical reactions that would normally take a long time. They are crucial for the metabolism, digestion, breathing and many other vital processes.
3. Immune system
Antibodies are proteins that are produced by the immune system to recognize and combat pathogens such as viruses and bacteria. They bind themselves to these pathogens and mark them for annihilation by other immune cells.
4. Transport
Proteins play an important role in transporting molecules and ions through the cell membrane. For example, carrier proteins transport glucose molecules into the cells and thus enable energy generation.
5. Hormones and signal transmission
Different hormones are proteins that act as messenger substances and enable communication between cells and organs. For example, insulin is a protein that regulates the blood sugar level.
The protein synthesis
Protein synthesis is the process in which proteins are made from the genetic information of the organism. This process consists of two main phases: transcription and translation.
In the transcription, the DNA is copied into a single strand RNA molecule in the cell nucleus. This mRNA leaves the cell nucleus and reaches the cell's cytoplasm, where the translation takes place.
During translation Read Ribosomes (small cellular structures) the genetic information on the mRNA and use as a template to determine the amino acid sequence of the protein. The ribosomes combine the amino acids and form the protein structure, which finally goes into its active conformation.
protein deficiency and surplus
A deficiency or an overdose of protein can have a serious effect on health.
A lack of protein can lead to muscle weakness, anemia, growth disorders and weakened immune system. It can also lead to a reduced production of enzymes and hormones, which can lead to different metabolic problems.
Excessive protein intake, on the other hand, can burden the kidneys and lead to increased nitrogen breakdown in the body. This surplus of nitrogen is excreted as a urea over the urine. Excessive consumption of protein -rich foods can also lead to an imbalance in nutrition, since other important nutrients may not be adequately absorbed.
source
- National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Protein synthesis." (Link removed)
-Insulin-Like Growth Factor Research. "Protein: Description & Role." (Link removed)
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. "Protein." (Link removed)
- Stipanuk, M. H. "Biochemical, Physiological, & Molecular Aspects of Human Nutrition." (Link removed)
FAZIT
Proteins are the building blocks of life and fulfill a variety of functions in the human body. They are involved in the structure and movement of cells and tissues, serve as enzymes, vans, hormones and antibodies. Protein synthesis is a complex process in which genetic information is converted into proteins. A deficiency or an overdose of protein can have a significant effect on health. It is important to have a balanced diet that contains sufficient protein to ensure the optimal function of the body.