Proteins are complex molecules integral to structure, function, tissue and organ regulation in all living organisms. Major proteins include enzymes, hormones, antibodies, structural and transport proteins.
Proteins are made of long chains of amino acids. They work in biological processes such as growth, repair, and immunity. Proteins can be categorized into five major types.
Enzymes
Enzymes are catalysts, speeding up chemical reactions in the body. They lower the energy required for a reaction, enabling the body to complete the reaction. Their unique forms are structured to their functions.
Enzymes are important for digestion, metabolism, DNA replication and energy production. The enzyme lactase reduces lactose, the sugar in milk, into simpler sugars glucose and galactose, easier for the body to absorb.
Amylase exists in saliva, made by the salivatory glands, and small intestine, made in the pancreas. Salivary amylase is optimized to digest starches.
Amylase is also used by plants to convert starch to glucose, especially to invigorate seedling growth. Brewers use this process in malting to make sugar-rich substrates for yeast.
The enzyme protease decomposes proteins into peptides and amino acids, easier to absorb in the intestine.
Enzymes work in processes like cellular respiration, whereby glucose is converted to energy. They drive immune responses. In plants, enzymes transform sunlight to energy in photosynthesis.
Hormones
Hormones are chemical messengers, regulating various body functions, such as growth, development, and reproduction. Produced by endocrine glands, they are released into the bloodstream.
From there they travel to specific cells or organs. For example, insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, regulates blood sugar levels in the body by facilitating the uptake of glucose by cells.
The hormone adrenaline surges during stress. It prepares the body for the "fight or flight" response by elevating heart rates and redirecting blood to essential organs and muscles.
This reaction is vital for survival in situations perceived as dangerous. It can incur problems in mental health conditions such as anxiety, misophonia or PTSD.
Hormones operate through feedback systems to maintain homeostasis, an essential equilibrium for health. Disruptions in hormone balance can degrade physical and mental health at any time in life.
Antibodies
Also known as immunoglobulins, antibodies are produced by the immune system in response to intruders like bacteria, viruses, and toxins. They bind to substances to neutralize or destroy them, preventing harm to the body.
Each antibody has a unique structure allowing it to bind specifically to an antigen. Binding forms an antigen-antibody complex, which neutralizes the pathogen's harmful effects.
Antibodies also enable immune memory. After an infection, some B cells become memory cells, preserving information about specific pathogens.
Vaccines use the natural power of antibodies. When vaccinated against illness like measles, the body remembers the virus. This prompts a quick antibody response on future exposure.
Structural Proteins
These provide structure and support to cells and tissues in the body. They include collagen, elastin, and keratin, which are found in various body tissues, such as skin, tendons, bones, and hair.
Collagen is the most abundant protein in animals, including humans. It provides about 25% of total protein content and gives strength and flexibility to tissues.
Elastin provides elasticity. This allows tissues to stretch and return to original shape. Keratin provides strength and protection to tissues such as the skin and hair, and guards against moisture loss.
These proteins are standard ingredients in cosmetic treatments and beauty products. In nature keratin occurs in onions and sunflower seeds. Collagen is naturally found only in animal products containing connective tissue.
A variety of both animal and plant based foods contain materials for collagen production in the bodies. Foods promoting elastin formation include greens, citrus fruits, fish, berries and nuts.
In nature, fibroin contributes to the structural integrity of spider silk, known for its incredible tensile strength, stronger than steel. These proteins help create a robust structure vital for tissue function and durability.
Transport Proteins
Transport proteins facilitate movement of molecules, such as nutrients, gases and waste products, across cell membranes for exchange between cells. They include hemoglobin, which transports oxygen in the blood.
Also in blood, albumin moves substances like fatty acids and hormones. Albumin helps maintain osmotic pressure and regulate blood volume, essential for fluid balance in the body.
Hemoglobin dwells in red blood cells. This transport protein binds oxygen in the lungs and releases it to the body's tissues. Hemoglobin effectively transports 97% of oxygen in the blood.
Transport proteins maintain molecular balance in the body and ensure proper organ function. They use different mechanisms for movement.
Passive transport moves substances along a concentration gradient, while active transport requires energy to move substances against their gradient. Both are crucial for homeostasis and provide cells with necessary nutrients.
Non-Fiction Books:
Fiction Books:
READ: Lora Ley Adventures - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series
READ: Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries