What is the building function of proteins?

Proteins are the basis for the existence of a living cell. They make up most of its elements. The construction function of proteins lies in their presence in many organs and tissues of a person. Most dense substances are made up of proteins. For example, muscles, supporting tissues, nails, hair.

Proteins are high molecular weight compounds. For example, a protein molecule is several hundred times larger than a water molecule. Any protein substance is formed by compounds called amino acids. They are arranged in a strict order, following one after another, forming a long chain, which is called a peptide. Chemical and biological properties of a protein are determined by the amino acids located in it. All the functions they perform are very important for living organisms, and one of them, the construction function of proteins, is at the heart of the existence and development of all living things.

Protein Properties

Research scientists have proved that the physical and chemical properties of a protein are determined by the amino acids present in it, their amount and sequence of compounds.

Proteins are:

• insoluble and water soluble;
• unstable, changing under slight influence on them, and stable.

There are in the form:

• long threads;
• compounds of small spherical molecules.

However, with such a different structure, the properties of proteins strictly correspond to their functions. For example, proteins in the form of filaments are present in the muscles, since they are endowed with the ability to contract. Proteins are readily soluble, with the structure of the molecule from small balls, perform transport functions. Proteins with an easily variable structure are used as a catalyst.

Protein functions

Each organic substance, being in the body, performs certain functions. Consider the following functions that ensure human vital functions:

• Construction. Protein is used in the formation of cell membranes and membranes, as part of blood vessels, tendons. The construction function of proteins, (examples are described in the article) is fully manifested in such organs and tissues as skin, hair, nails, etc.

• Motor.
• Catalytic. In the human body, various chemical reactions constantly occur. Enzymes, which consist of proteins, regulate the speed of their passage.

• Transport . Proteins carry over the body and all tissues of vital substances. For example, the hemoglobin protein carries oxygen.

• Protective. The immune system produces antibody proteins as a reaction to harmful foreign microorganisms that enter the body. Antibody proteins block the attack of harmful substances. There are also blood proteins - fibrinogens, which can prevent the body from losing blood by forming a clot (blood clotting).

• Hormonal. Hormones are responsible for maintaining balance in the body, regulate metabolism, while most of them consist of proteins or polypeptides.

• Nutritious. For example, casein protein is present in breast milk and is responsible for the satiety of the baby.

The construction function of the protein is one of the main ones responsible for the normal functioning of the body.

The amount of protein in the human body

The presence of proteins in every living cell is at least half its dry weight. In general, only twenty amino acids are present in the composition of all proteins , while different protein compounds differ in the number of repeats and the sequence of compounds. Depending on this, proteins perform different functions, one of which, necessary for the continuation of life, is the building function of proteins.

Proteins are distributed unequally throughout the body.

Protein construction function

Where is she carried out? In the human body, the creation of new cells and the restoration of destroyed tissues is impossible without the presence of protein. He also participates in the synthesis of digestive juices, is part of the immune bodies, hormones. Protein also has an energy function: with great physical exertion, it is necessary to obtain it to maintain the balance of nutrients in the body.

One of the main functions of protein is construction. If the protein ceases to fulfill it, a living organism will not be able to exist. How is the building function of proteins manifested? Examples of proteins and their effect on living organisms are described below:

1. Keratin is the protein that hair and nails are made of; in animals - wool, horns, hooves. Depending on the set of amino acids, it can be soft and flexible, or it can be tough and durable.
2. Collagen is present in tendons and cartilage, its fibers do not stretch, so muscle effort is directed to the bones to which the muscles are attached.
3. Elastin is a protein whose strength is not very high, while it has good elasticity and can easily stretch under pressure. It is located in the walls of blood vessels.

Protein in cell skeletons

The construction function of the protein is manifested both in the structure of the body and in the cells - proteins create an internal cytoskeleton.

There are three types of cell skeleton:

• microtubules;
• microfilaments;
• filaments.

Microtubules are tubules composed of tubulin protein. With their help, the components of the cell are transferred along it.

Microfilaments are made up of actin protein. They create a small continuous mesh under the outer membrane of the cell, thus making it resilient and durable.

The presence of a certain type of protein in intermediate filaments is determined by the cells in which they are located. Based on studies, it is believed that filaments give the cell strength.

Amino acids

Amino acids are the bonds of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen and (sometimes) sulfur. Amino acids exist more than 100 species, but only 20 are present in humans. Some of them are produced by the body itself, while others must be obtained from food.

Amino acids are divided into three types:

1. Interchangeable - the body synthesizes them itself.
2. Essential - obtained from food.
3. Conditionally interchangeable - amino acids that can be synthesized by the body, but this requires the presence of a certain amount of other amino acids.

The Importance of Amino Acids

The presence in the body of a basic set of amino acids is necessary, since their deficiency will affect the functional disorders of those organs for which they are responsible. For example, a deficiency of lysine in the blood provokes a decrease in hemoglobin, which is detrimental to a person’s state of health.

One amino acid is called a peptide, a link of 3-100 amino acids is a small protein. Proteins can consist of 100-800 amino acids connected in series.

So, the construction function of proteins where is carried out? It can manifest itself at the cellular level and in the structure of the human body. Protein receptors are found both in the cytoplasm and in the cell membrane. Existing motor proteins function to provide the motor function of the body, for example, are involved in muscle contraction, cell movement.

The construction function of proteins is that proteins are present in cell membranes, form the skeleton of the cell, and are part of ribosomes, chromosomes, and other vital formations.

Protein path in building function

The protein that performs the construction function goes its own way. For example, the path that a protein that enters the body from food follows. From food, it enters the stomach, where it is broken down into amino acids. After which they are absorbed by the intestinal mucosa and enter the liver, from which they are distributed throughout all organs and tissues of the body to ensure protein synthesis. The construction function of proteins is manifested in the fact that they participate in all vital processes of the body.

Conclusion

To continue life, a person needs various chemical reactions to constantly take place in his cells. And one of the main roles is played by proteins, due to which the development and functioning of the body is carried out.

The construction function of proteins is manifested in the formation of new cells and the regeneration of old ones. Regeneration requires the presence of the right amount of protein to be enough to replace worn cells.

Great wear of tissues and cells is observed in people leading a sporting lifestyle. Therefore, they need to consume protein-rich foods. This also applies to those involved in mental activity.

Proteins are able to bind water, forming colloidal structures. We can say that life is a process of the existence of proteins, their relationship with the environment. If this process stops, the life of a living organism will end.