Protein

Content

• What function do they fulfill?
• Properties
• Classification
• Importance in diet
• Examples of proteins
• Protein rich foods

With the name of protein Molecules made up of amino acids are known, which are linked by a type of bond known as peptide bonds. Proteins make up about half the dry weight of tissues (and 20% of human body weight), and there is no biological process that does not include them.

The composition of these molecules is carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen. The order and arrangement of the amino acids within the protein depends on the genetic code of the person, that is, the DNA.

What function do they fulfill?

Proteins have a function that is essential for growth, and it is mainly motivated by the nitrogen content that is not present in any of the other molecules that is incorporated through food: carbohydrates and the fats.

Unlike these two, the protein They do not have an energy reserve function, but they do have a fundamental role in the synthesis and maintenance of some tissues or components of the body such as gastric juices, hemoglobin, vitamins and some enzymes. Similarly, they help carry various gases into the blood, and function as shock absorbers.

Between the protein functionsOn the other hand, they are to provide the essential essential amino acids for tissue synthesis, and also act as biological catalysts accelerating the speed of chemical reactions of metabolism. Finally, it can be said that proteins act with a defense mechanism, since antibodies are natural defense proteins against infections or foreign agents.

See also: What are trace elements?

Properties

Regarding the properties of proteins, it can be said that the stability It is the most important because proteins must be stable in the environment in which they are stored or in which they develop their function, in such a way as to extend their life as much as possible avoiding the generation of setbacks in the body.

On the other hand, proteins have a temperature and a pH to maintain to guarantee that stability, so it is said that the second fundamental property is that of solubility.

Some other minor properties like specificity, the pH buffer wave electrolytic capacity they are also typical of this class of molecules.

Classification

The most usual classification of proteins is made according to their chemical structure, among the simple proteins that only produce amino acids when hydrolyzed; the albumins Y globulins which are soluble in water and dilute solutions; the glutelins Y prolanins that are soluble in acids; the albuminoids that are insoluble in water; the conjugated proteins containing non-protein parts and proteinderivatives which are the product of hydrolysis.

Importance in diet

The main source of protein in the body is diet. The importance of including proteins in the diet has a special emphasis on children who are in the growth period as well as pregnant women, who need the production of new cells.

When people feed on fruits vegetables or meats They usually incorporate a large amount of proteins through the process known as protein digestion, which consists in the decomposition of the product until it is transformed into simple amino acids, and then assemble them into proteins for the body, in the process known as protein synthesis. Only after this are they incorporated into the body.

Examples of proteins

See also: Examples of Digestive Enzymes

Protein rich foods

It can serve you:

• Examples of Carbohydrates
• Examples of Lipids (Fats)
• Examples of Trace Elements (and their function)