Biomolecules
Protein
BIOMOLECULE - PROTEIN
- Monomer - Amino Acids (The building blocks of protein)
- Polymer - The protein itself would be the polymer
EXAMPLES OF PROTEINS
- Keratin, Collagen, Elastin - Structural proteins
- Casein, Ovalbumin - Storage proteins
- Hemoglobin - Transport proteins
- Insulin - Hormonal, (sugar metabolism)
FUNCTIONAL GROUPS
- Amines
- Carboxyls
FUNCTIONS OF PROTEINS
- Antibodies - Specialized in defending the body from antigens (sickness)
- Contractile - Mocing, muscle contraction
- Structural - Provides support for body parts, make up hair, feathers, quills, etc.
- Storage - Store amino acids
- Hormonal - Hormones are chemicals that coordinate body activities. Proteins are the messengers of these hormones
- Transport - Carrier molecules that move molecules around the body
STRUCTURE AND THE FUNCTION OF PROTEINS
- Antibody structure is "Y" shaped and the tips of the Y are very varied in the make up of amino acids. This gives it a more specific approach to bonding with the antigens. After they bond, the antigen is then destroyed
- Contractile proteins are striated (have stripes) - create structural movement
- Structural proteins are woven together very tightly, making them strong enough for hair, feathers etc.
- Storage proteins have many bonds, and bonds are where the energy is stored. More bonds=more energy
- Hormonal proteins like insulin have two binding surfaces making it easy to bond with other molecules sending chemical stimuli through receptors
- Transport proteins have small channels that act as pores that open and close in response to chemical stimuli (hormones)