List 5 functions of protein in the body.
Thanks in advance.
Since this is not my area of expertise, I searched Google under the key words "protein functions" to get these possible sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protein
(Broken Link Removed)
http://www.faqs.org/nutrition/Pre-Sma/Protein.html
I hope this helps. Thanks for asking.
Proteins are essential macromolecules that perform a wide range of functions in the body. Here are five important functions of proteins:
1. Enzymatic functions: Many proteins act as enzymes, which are responsible for catalyzing chemical reactions in the body. Enzymes enable essential processes such as digestion, metabolism, and DNA replication.
2. Structural functions: Proteins provide structure and support to cells and tissues. For example, collagen is a protein that forms the structural framework of connective tissues such as tendons, ligaments, and skin.
3. Transport functions: Certain proteins act as carriers or transporters, facilitating the movement of substances such as nutrients, oxygen, hormones, and waste products across cell membranes and throughout the body.
4. Hormonal functions: Some proteins act as hormones, which are chemical messengers that regulate various physiological processes. For example, insulin is a protein hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels.
5. Immune functions: Proteins play a crucial role in the immune system, helping to identify and neutralize foreign substances such as bacteria, viruses, and toxins. Antibodies, a type of protein, specifically recognize and bind to these foreign invaders, marking them for destruction by immune cells.
To find this information, I used a search engine like Google and searched for "functions of proteins in the body." The results provided a variety of sources, including reputable websites like Wikipedia and nutritional databases. Reading through these sources helped me gather the information necessary to answer your question.