Proteins
the Building Blocks of the Human Body
What are they made of?
The main monomer proteins are made are amino acids. The sequence of amino acids as well as the concentration all determine the biological activity of proteins. There are 20 amino acids including arginine, lysine, aspartic acid, and more.
Amino Acids and Polymers
The different types of amino acids are the monomers that form the basic building block known as proteins. However, before they form whole proteins, different amino acids (monomers) form polymers known as polypeptide. Polypeptide consists of a large number of amino-acids bonded together in a chain. Polypeptides can form part of a protein or can be the entire molecule.
An example of a polymer.
Examples of Proteins
Because of the wide range of roles proteins play in the human body, there are many, many different proteins, each with a different function. Proteins are the catalyst of most of the reactions in living cells. They control virtually all cellular processes.
Keratin
Keratin is the protein that forms our hair on all parts of our body, including the head and arms.
Hemoglobin
Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.
Myosin
Myosin plays a major role in muscle contraction and movement.
Functional Groups
The functional groups always found in any proteins are amine and carboxyl.
Amine
One of the functional groups of proteins.
Carboxyl
Carboxyl, the other functional group in proteins.
Common Functions of this Biomolecule
Proteins are one of the most important molecules in our cells. They are involved in basically all cell functions. Each protein within the body has a specific function. Some proteins are involved in structural support, while others are involved in bodily movement, or in defense against germs.
The Structure of Proteins and Its Role on Function
The amino acid sequence of a protein (primary structure) determines the structure or folding pattern of that protein. It is the structure of the protein that determines which molecules the protein can interact with. Proteins will interact with different molecules based on compatible binding surfaces to carry out different functions.