PROTEINS

Proteins are the most abundant organic compounds found in any living organisms responsible for
as much as 15% of the body’s dry weight. It is estimated that a typical mammalian cell may contain
as much as 10,000 different kinds of proteins having a diverse array of functions. Proteins from
the structural parts of cells and tissues such as the keratin in hairs, collagen in connective tissues,
myosin and actin in muscle cells etc. Enzymes are proteins that accelerate chemical reactions.
Antibodies are proteins responsible for the body’s defense against infection. Hormones are
proteins that regulate body functions. Growth factors are proteins that influence an organism’s
growth and development. Many other proteins function as gene activators, membrane receptors,
transporters, contractile elements, form blood clots, serve as toxins, etc. Proteins carry out
virtually all the activities inside the cell.

Proteins are made of a chain of basic building blocks called amino acids. There are 20 essential
amino acids in living organisms that serve as building blocks in the formation of different proteins.
An amino acid is made up of amino group (NH2), a carboxyl group (COOH) and a hydrocarbon side
chain referred to as the R group. The different amino acids differ only on their side chain.

Amino acids can be categorized into essential or nonessential. Essential amino acids are those
that are not synthesized by the body but are obtained from food. Nonessential amino acids are
those naturally produced in the body.
Amino acids in sufficient amount and in the right ratio. The dietary proteins that contain all
essential amino acids in the ratio needed by the body are referred to as complete or high quality-
proteins. These proteins are derived from animal sources such as meat, fish, poultry, and eggs.
Incomplete or low-quality proteins are deficient in one or more of the essential amino acids. These
proteins are obtained from plants such as legumes, rice, corn, wheat and vegetables. List down
the food that you ate for breakfast, lunch and dinner yesterday. Does your food combination
provide the essential amino acids that you need? Identify and write the amino acids found on the
food.

Protein Structure
Proteins have four levels of structure: primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary.

The primary structure is the simplest arrangement that arises from the combination of the
carboxyl carbon of one amino acid and the amine group of another amino acid, forming a covalent
bond called peptide bond. The molecule formed when two amino acids are combined is called a
dipeptide. A chain of three or more amino acids is called polypeptide. The primary protein
structure is a polypeptide.
The secondary structure of proteins refers to the coiling of the protein chain into a -helix
structure, formation of β- sheets, or twisting into random structures. The -helix is responsible for
the coiled configuration of the polypeptide strand. The β-pleated sheet accounts for the side by
side arrangement of some proteins such as fibroin, a protein in silk. These structures are the
results of interactions between R groups, H-bonding or formation of – S-S- bonds between chains.
Protein molecules are so long that they automatically coil, fold or twist. The resulting shape is
unique for each polypeptide in a particular medium, at a particular medium, at a particular pH.
The tertiary structure results from the twisting, bending, and folding of the secondary structures
that arise from the interaction among the side chains. Hydrogen bonding mainly stabilizes these
shapes. Other contributors are the acid base interactions between coils and the disulphide
linkages.
The quaternary protein structure involves the clustering of several individual peptides into a final
specific shape. A variety of bonding interactions including hydrogen bonding, salt bridges and
disulphide bonds hold the various chains into a particular geometry.

Functions of Proteins
Protein has a critical physiological function. Protein is primarily used in the body to build,
maintain, and repair body tissues. In the event that protein intake Is greater than that required
by the body for this primary function, excessive protein is converted to energy for immediate use
or stored in the body as fat. Protein will be used only after other energy sources (carbohydrate
and fat) are exhausted or unavailable.
• Protein is vital in the maintenance of body tissues, including development and repair. • Protein
is the major source of energy.
• Protein is involved in the creation of some hormones, helps control body functions that involve
interaction of several organs and helps regulate cell growth. • Protein produces enzymes that
increase the rate of chemical reactions in the body.
• Proteins transport small molecules through the organism. Hemoglobin is the protein than
transports oxygen to the cells and it is called as transport protein.
• Proteins called antibodies help rid of foreign protein and help prevent infections, illnesses and
diseases.
• Proteins help store other substances in the organism. For example, iron is stored in the liver in
a complex with the protein ferritin.
• Proteins help mediate cell responses, such as the protein rhodopsin, found in the eye and
involved in the vision process.
• Proteins make up a large protein of muscle fiber and help in the movement of various parts of
our bodies.
• Skin and bone contain collagen, a fibrous protein.