A Comprehensive Guide on Proteins

Proteins are one of the most important molecules in our bodies. They play a variety of roles, including structural support, movement, and signalling. In this article, we will discuss the sources of protein, protein structures, and the various functions proteins perform in our bodies. We will also provide a simple guide on how to read food labels so that you can make informed decisions about your protein intake.

What is protein?

Proteins are large, complex molecules that play many critical roles in the body. Protein does the most work in cells which is required for the purpose of structure, regulation and function of the body’s tissues and organs. These are made up of amino acids. Milk, cheese, green vegetables, and pulses all are considered good sources of protein. There are 20 different amino acids that can be combined to make a protein. The sequence of amino acids in a protein is critical to its function. Let’s discuss all this in detail.

Protein Structures

Protein structures are divided into four parts namely primary structure, secondary structure, tertiary structure and quaternary structure.

Primary Structure

It is the sequence of amino acids in a protein chain. The primary structure of a protein is held together by peptide bonds. The amino acids are formed together by peptide bonds because of the presence of amine and carboxyl groups in the amino acids.

Secondary Structure

It is the three-dimensional structure of a protein. The secondary structure is held together by hydrogen bonds. There are two types of secondary structures:

– α helix 

– β pleated sheet

Tertiary Structure

It is the three-dimensional structure of a protein. The tertiary structure is held together by covalent bonds, hydrogen bonds, ionic interactions and hydrophobic interactions.

Quaternary Structure

It is the three-dimensional structure of a protein. The quaternary structure is held together by covalent bonds, hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions.

Major Functions of Proteins

Proteins are important biomolecules that have many functions in the body. Some of the major functions of proteins include:

-Proteins are essential for the structure and function of all cells in the body.

-Proteins are involved in almost all biochemical reactions that occur in the body.

-Proteins are necessary for the transportation and storage of nutrients in the body.

-Proteins are required for the development and repair of tissues in the body.

-Proteins play a role in the immune system, by helping to fight off infection and disease.

Proteins are essential nutrients that are required for the proper functioning of the human body. It is important to consume adequate amounts of protein-rich foods. Some of the good sources of proteins must be taken every day, such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, and beans, in order to maintain good health.

Classification of Proteins

On the basis of chemical structure, shape, and solubility proteins are classified as simple proteins, derived proteins, and conjugated proteins.

Simple proteins:  Proteins that are composed of only amino acids are known as simple proteins or albumins. E.g., enzymes, antibodies, hormones, and globulins.

Derived proteins:  Proteins that are formed by the modification of simple proteins are known as derived proteins. E.g., Mucoproteins, Lipoproteins, and Glutelin.

Conjugated proteins: Proteins that are combined with non-proteinaceous substances ( called prosthetic groups) are known as conjugated proteins. E.g., Glycoproteins, Phosphoproteins, and nucleoproteins.

Properties of Proteins

Some of the properties of proteins are solubility in water, denaturation and renaturation, coagulation, and isoelectric point.

Solubility in water:  Proteins are insoluble in water if they have a lot of nonpolar side chains. If they have a lot of polar side chains, they are soluble in water.

Denaturation and Renaturation: Denaturation is the process of breaking down the three-dimensional structure of a protein. Renaturation is the process of rebuilding the three-dimensional structure of a protein.

Coagulation: Coagulation is the process of forming a clot.

Isoelectric point: The isoelectric point is the pH at which a protein has no net charge. This occurs because the number of acidic side chains is equal to the number of basic side chains.

Proteins are made up of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins.

Conclusion

In summary, proteins are essential for our bodies to function properly. They provide the structure for our cells and tissues, help with cell signalling and communication, and are involved in many other important processes. There are many different sources of protein, and it is important to consume a variety of protein-rich foods to ensure that our bodies are getting all the amino acids they need. This article deals with some of the sources of protein, protein structures and functions of the protein.