Proteins are the basis of all living organisms. It is these substances that act as a component of cell membranes, organelles, cartilage, tendons and horny derivatives of the skin. However, the protective function of proteins is one of the most important.
Proteins: structural features
Along with lipids, carbohydrates and nucleic acids, proteins are organic substances that form the basis of living things. All of them are natural biopolymers. These substances are composed of repeatedly repeating structural units. They are called monomers. For proteins, such structural units are amino acids. Connecting in chains, they form a large macromolecule.
Spatial Organization Levels
A chain of twenty amino acids can form various structures. These are levels of spatial organization or conformation of the protein. The primary structure is represented by a chain of amino acids. When it is twisted into a spiral, a secondary one arises. The tertiary structure occurs when the previous conformation is twisted into a ball or globule. But the next structure is the most complex - the Quaternary. It consists of several globules.
Protein Properties
If the Quaternary structure is destroyed to the primary, namely to the chain of amino acids, then a process called denaturation occurs. He is convertible. A chain of amino acids can again form more complex structures. But when the destruction occurs, i.e. destruction of the primary structure, the protein can no longer be restored. Such a process is irreversible. Each of us carried out the degradation when he thermally processed products consisting of protein - chicken eggs, fish, meat.
Protein functions: table
Protein molecules are very diverse. This leads to a wide range of their capabilities, which are due to the structure of amino acids. The functions of proteins (the table contains the necessary information) are a prerequisite for the existence of living organisms.
| Protein function | The meaning and essence of the process | The name of the proteins that perform the function |
Construction (structural) | Protein is the building material for all body structures: from cell membranes to muscles and ligaments. | Collagen, Fibroin |
| Energy | During the breakdown of proteins, the energy necessary for the implementation of the vital processes of the body is released (1 g of protein - 17, 2 kJ of energy). | Prolamine |
| Signal | Protein compounds of cell membranes are able to recognize specific substances from the environment. | Glycoproteins |
| Contractile | Providing motor activity. | Actin, myosin |
| Reserve | Stock of nutrients. | Endosperm seed |
| Transport | Gas exchange provision. | Hemoglobin |
| Regulatory | Regulation of chemical and physiological processes in the body. | Hormone proteins |
| Catalytic | Acceleration of chemical reactions. | Enzymes (Enzymes) |
The protective function of proteins in the body
As you can see, the functions of proteins are very diverse and important in meaning. But we have not mentioned yet another of them. The protective function of proteins in the body is to prevent the penetration of foreign substances that can cause significant harm to the body. If this happens, specialized proteins can neutralize them. These protectors are called antibodies or immunoglobulins.
The process of formation of immunity
With every breath, pathogenic bacteria and viruses enter our bodies. They enter the bloodstream, where they begin to multiply actively. However, a significant obstacle stands in their way. These are plasma proteins - immunoglobulins or antibodies. They are specialized and are characterized by the ability to recognize and neutralize substances and structures alien to the body. They are called antigens. So the protective function of proteins is manifested. Examples of it can be continued with information about interferon. This protein is also specialized and recognizes viruses. This substance is even the basis of many immunostimulating drugs.
Due to the presence of protective proteins, the body is able to withstand pathogenic particles, i.e. he has immunity. It can be congenital and acquired. The first all organisms are endowed from the moment of birth, so life is possible. And the acquired one appears after the transfer of various infectious diseases.
Mechanical protection
Proteins perform a protective function, directly protecting the cells and the whole body from mechanical influences. For example, the outer skeleton of crustaceans plays the role of a shell, reliably protecting all contents. Bones, muscles and cartilage form the basis of the body, and not only prevent damage to soft tissues and organs, but also ensure its movement in space.
Blood clots
The process of blood coagulation is also a protective function of proteins. It is possible due to the presence of specialized cells - platelets. If blood vessels are damaged, they are destroyed. As a result, the soluble plasma protein fibrinogen is transformed into its insoluble form - fibrin. This is a complex enzymatic process, as a result of which the fibrin strands are very often intertwined and form a dense network that prevents the flow of blood. In other words, a blood clot or blood clot forms. This is a protective reaction of the body. In normal life, this process lasts a maximum of ten minutes. But with a blood clotting disease - hemophilia, which affects mostly men, a person can die even with a minor injury.
However, if blood clots form inside a blood vessel, this can be very dangerous. In some cases, this even leads to a violation of its integrity and internal hemorrhage. In this case, drugs are recommended, on the contrary, blood thinners.
Chemical protection
The protective function of proteins is also manifested in the chemical fight against pathogens. And it begins already in the oral cavity. Once in it, food causes reflex salivation. The basis of this substance is water, enzymes that break down polysaccharides and lysozyme. It is the latter substance that neutralizes harmful molecules, protecting the body from their further effects. It is contained in the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract, and in the lacrimal fluid that washes the cornea of the eye. Lysozyme is found in large quantities in breast milk, nasopharyngeal mucus, and egg protein.
So, the protective function of proteins is manifested primarily in the neutralization of bacterial and viral particles in the blood of the body. As a result, he develops the ability to resist pathogenic agents. It is called immunity. Proteins, which are part of the outer and inner skeleton, protect the inner contents from mechanical damage. And protein substances found in saliva and other media prevent the action of chemical agents on the body. In other words, the protective function of proteins is to provide the necessary conditions for all vital processes.