Protein are the main building blocks of the tissues of the body. The proteins are made up of smaller molecules called amino acids.
Once consumed (eaten) a protein is digested into the smaller amino acids and transported to the all the cells of the body where the amino acids can be put back together to make the proteins the body needs.
The human body contains thousands of different proteins, each with a specific function determined by this unique shape.
Most proteins the body makes function as structural proteins. Muscle tissues and connective tissues are mainly composed of proteins.
Collagen, which appears microscopically as a densely packed long rod, is the most abundant protein in mammals and gives skin and bone their elastic strength.
Hair and nails are made of keratin, which is another dense protein made of coiled helices.
Some proteins have an extremely important function by serving as enzymes.
Enzymes make biological chemistry efficient and less wasteful of energy.
The digestive system produces digestive enzymes whose function is to break down food into its chemical constituents.
Amylase is an enzymes that is involved in the breakdown of the polysaccharide starch into the monosaccharide glucose.
Protein can be involved in the Immune Response Mechanism and serve as carrier or transport molecules and also participate in the translation of DNA.
About half the dietary protein that consume each day goes into making enzymes, the specialized worker proteins that do specific jobs such as digesting food and assembling or dividing molecules to make new cells and chemicals substances.
To perform these functions, enzymes often need specific vitamins and minerals.
Obviously, the new born animal needs lots of proteins for growth and maturation.
The genes of DNA decide which amino acids (obtained from digestion) will go on to make a protein the cell needs for whatever structure or function requirement.
Dietary protein is one of three sources that contributes amino acids to the amino acid pool. The other two are protein turnover and biosynthesis of amino acids in the liver.
Proteins in Human Body
