● Proteins are complex macromolecules composed of amino acids that serve critical
structural, mechanical, and regulatory functions in the body.
● Proteins are essential macronutrients made of amino acid chains. They act as the
building blocks of life, crucial for repairing cells, building muscle, regulating tissues,
and supporting immune function. The human body requires 20 different amino acids,
nine of which must be obtained directly from your diet
Characteristics of protein
Key characteristics of proteins include:
1. Composition: Primarily made of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and
sometimes sulfur. The unique sequence of 20 standard amino acids determines each
protein's shape and function.
2. Structural Hierarchy: They fold into four complex, distinct 3D levels: primary,
secondary, tertiary, and quaternary. The specific shape of these folds is what allows
them to perform their jobs.
3. Sensitivity to Environment: Proteins are highly sensitive to temperature and pH.
Extreme conditions can cause denaturation—the loss of their 3D shape and
biological function.
4. Solubility: Solubility varies based on the type of protein. Globular proteins are
typically water-soluble, while structural fibrous proteins are mostly insoluble.
5. Macromolecular Weight: They are massive molecules, ranging in molecular weight
from 5 to 300 kilodaltons or more.
Functions of Proteins
The body uses proteins for a variety of purposes, and their structure determines how they
work. Several notable functions include:
1. Digestion – The digestive enzymes, which are primarily proteinaceous in origin,
carry out digestion
2. Movement – Muscles include a protein called myosin, which helps muscles contract,
allowing for movement.
3. Structure and Support – The structural protein known as keratin is what gives
humans and other animals hair, nails, and horns.
4. Cellular communication – Through receptors on their surface, cells can
communicate with other cells and the outside world. These receptors are made of
proteins.
5. Act as a messenger – These proteins serve as chemical messengers that facilitate
communication among cells, tissues, and organs.
Protein classification
Classification by Chemical Nature
This system groups proteins by their composition and how they dissolve in water or other
solvents.
Simple Proteins: Yield only amino acids upon hydrolysis.
Examples include albumins (egg whites), globulins (blood serum), and histones (DNA
packing).
Conjugated Proteins: Simple proteins combined with a non-protein part (called a prosthetic
group).
Examples include glycoproteins (carbohydrate + protein), lipoproteins (lipid + protein), and
metalloproteins (metal ion + protein).
Derived Proteins: Altered or degraded products formed by the partial or complete
breakdown of simple or conjugated proteins (e.g., via heat, acids, or enzymes)
Structure of Proteins
● Primary – The primary structure of a protein is the linear polypeptide chain formed by the
amino acids in a particular sequence. Changing the position of even a single amino acid
will result in a different chain and hence a different protein.
● Secondary – The secondary structure of a protein is formed by hydrogen bonding in the
polypeptide chain. These bonds cause the chain to fold and coil in two different
conformations known as the α-helix or β-pleated sheets. The α-helix is like a single spiral
and is formed by hydrogen bonding between every fourth amino acid. The β-pleated
sheet is formed by hydrogen bonding between two or more adjacent polypeptide chains.
● Tertiary – The tertiary structure is the final 3-dimensional shape acquired by the
polypeptide chains under the attractive and repulsive forces of the different R-groups of
each amino acid. This is a coiled structure that is very necessary for protein functions.
● Quaternary – This structure is exhibited only by those proteins which have multiple
polypeptide chains combined to form a large complex. The individual chains are then
called subunits.