Proteins
Structure, Function, and
Importance
Dr. Sara Abdel Aziz
January 2025
Lec 6
Introduction to Proteins
• Proteins are biological macromolecules
composed of amino acids and are essential for
life.
• Proteins are encoded by genes and
synthesized in cells through transcription
(DNA to mRNA) and translation (mRNA to
protein).
• The properties of a protein depend on its
amino acid sequence and three-dimensional
structure.
The peptide bond
• The twenty amino acids commonly found in
proteins are joined together by peptide
bonds.
• Carboxyl group + amino group form a strong
covalent bond releasing water in the process =
a condensation reaction.
• Amino acids join together in a long chain: N
terminal end to C terminal end = a
polypeptide.
How are proteins formed?
• Amino acid molecules have two functional groups - the amine
group (NH2) and a carboxyl group (-COOH).
• Proteins are formed in a condensation reaction when amino acid
molecules join together and a water molecule is removed.
Functions of Proteins
• Proteins perform a wide range of biological roles,
including:
1. Enzymes (Catalysts)
• Speed up biochemical reactions without being
consumed.
2. Structural Proteins
• Provide support and shape to cells and tissues. Like
• Collagen
• Keratin
3. Transport Proteins
• Carry molecules across cell membranes or in
the bloodstream.
• Examples: Hemoglobin, Albumin
4. Defense Proteins (Immune System)
• Protect the body from infections and foreign
substances. Antibodies (Immunoglobulins).
5. Hormonal Proteins
• Regulate physiological processes.
• Insulin Glucagon
6. Contractile Proteins (Muscle Contraction)
• Allow movement in cells and organisms.
• Actin and Myosin – Essential for muscle
contraction.
Clinical and Industrial Applications
of Proteins
1. Medical Applications
• Enzyme Replacement Therapy – Used for
genetic disorders (e.g., Lactase for lactose
intolerance).
• Monoclonal Antibodies – Used in cancer
therapy (e.g., Rituximab for lymphoma).
• Vaccines – Contain protein antigens to
stimulate immune response (e.g., COVID-19
spike protein vaccine).
2. Industrial Applications
• Detergent Industry – Protease enzymes break
down protein stains.
• Food Processing – Casein and whey proteins
in dairy products.
• Biotechnology – Recombinant proteins for
research and medicine.
Proteins classification
• Proteins may classified based on what they
are built from:
• Simple proteins
- made from amino acids only
• Complex proteins
contain protein and non-protein parts
- apoproteins,
- conjugated proteins
Proteins classification
• Based on their shape proteins can be classified
as
1. Fibrous proteins
2. Globular proteins
1. Fibrous Proteins
• Structure:
• Long, thread-like, or elongated structure.
• Often arranged in parallel chains or sheets.
• Insoluble in water due to hydrophobic residues on
their surface.
• Functions:
• Provide structural support and strength to cells and
tissues.
• Found in hair, nails, skin, tendons, cartilage, and
muscles.
Examples of Fibrous Proteins:
Protein Function Location
Collagen Provides strength and elasticity Skin, bones, cartilage, tendons
Keratin Structural protein for protection Hair, nails, skin, hooves
Elastin Provides elasticity and flexibility Ligaments, blood vessels, lungs
Fibroin Gives strength and flexibility Silk (spider webs, silkworm silk)
Myosin Aids in muscle contraction Muscle fibers
2. Globular Proteins
• Structure:
• Spherical, compact, and folded into a globular (ball-like)
shape.
• Soluble in water due to hydrophilic amino acids on the outer
surface.
• Highly folded into tertiary and quaternary structures.
• Functions:
• Involved in biochemical processes such as enzyme catalysis,
transport, defense, and signaling.
• Play key roles in metabolism and cellular functions.
Examples of Globular Proteins:
Protein Function Location
Hemoglobin Oxygen transport Red blood cells
Maintains osmotic pressure
Albumin Blood plasma
and transports molecules
Enzymes (e.g., Amylase, Catalyze biochemical
Various tissues
Pepsin, DNA Polymerase) reactions
Antibodies
Immune defense Blood and lymph
(Immunoglobulins)
Insulin Regulates blood sugar Pancreas
Myoglobin Oxygen storage Muscles
Differences Between Fibrous and
Globular Proteins
Feature Fibrous Proteins Globular Proteins
Shape Long, thread-like Spherical, compact
Solubility Insoluble in water Soluble in water
Structural (support, Metabolic (enzymes,
Function
strength) transport, signaling)
Repetitive amino acid
Structure Irregular, varied sequence
sequence
Collagen, Keratin, Myosin, Hemoglobin, Enzymes,
Examples
Elastin Antibodies, Insulin