Role of Proteins

Proteins are the building blocks of life. The body needs protein to repair and maintain itself. Every cell in the human body contains protein. It is a major part of the skin, muscles, organs, and glands.

Proteins and Health The healthiest proteins are the leanest. This means that they have the least fat and calories. The best protein choices are fish or shellfish, skinless chicken or turkey, low-fat or fat-free dairy (skim milk, low-fat cheese), and egg whites or egg substitute. The best red meats are the leanest cuts (loin and tenderloin). Other healthy options are beans, legumes (lentils and peanut butter), and soy foods such as tofu or soymilk.

Amino Acids Amino acids are the basic structural units of proteins consisting of an amino group, (-NH2) a carboxyl (-COOH) group with a hydrogen (H) atom and a (variable) distinctive (R) group. All of the substituents in amino acid are attached (bonded) to a central carbon atom. This carbon atom is called because it is bonded to the carboxyl (acidic) group

Amino Acids There are some 20 amino acids in mammals. The structure of the side chain will determine the type of the amino acid

Physiological Classification of Amino Acids 1. Essential Amino Acids Are Amino acids which are not synthesized in the body and must be provided in the diet to meet an animals metabolic needs are called essential amino acids. 2. Non- Essential Amino Acids These amino acids are need not be provided through diet, because they can be biosynthesized in adequate amounts within the organism. 3. Semi-essential amino acids Two amino acids are grouped under semi-essential amino acids since they can be synthesized within the organism but their synthesis is not in sufficient amounts. In that they should also be provided in the diet. Semiessential amino acids include Arginine and Histidine.

Peptides Peptides (from the Greek , "digested" from "to digest") are short polymers of amino acid monomers linked by peptide bonds.

They are distinguished from proteins on the basis of size, typically containing less than 50 monomer units. The shortest peptides are dipeptides, consisting of two amino acids joined by a single peptide bond. There are also tripeptides, tetrapeptides

Structure of proteins A polypeptide is a long, continuous, and unbranched peptide. Proteins consist of one or more polypeptides arranged in a biologically functional way and are often bound to cofactors, or other protein There are 4 levels to the structure from a polypeptide to a functional protein

Protein Function Proteins serve two broad purposes in the human body. Structural proteins form most of the solid material in the human body. For example, the structural proteins keratin and collagen are the main component of your hair, muscles, tendons and skin.. Functional proteins help carry out activities and functions in the human body. Some examples are haemoglobin, myosin, insulin and amylase

Amino Acids There are some 20 amino acids in mammals. The structure of the side chain will determine the type of the amino acid