What are proteins: words from millions of letters

Each cell of the human body is unique. And this personality is provided by proteins. What are proteins? They are also called proteins. They are the champions in the complexity of the molecules that make up the protein substance itself. Especially a lot of proteins in the hair, skin, bones, nails and muscle tissue. But that's not all, proteins are part of hormones, neurotransmitters, antibodies, enzymes and an oxygen carrier called hemoglobin. We owe them 20% of body weight, so it is so important to get enough building material from food.

Components of a complex whole

what are proteins

Just like words are made up of letters, so are proteins made up of amino acids. In the alphabet of human biochemistry there are 20 "letters". Continuing the analogy, however, it is worth noting that the "words" themselves consist of millions of "letters". Such complexity means a huge vulnerability of the system. Therefore, the amino acid composition of the proteins that you consume is very important. There will not be enough components - and it will be impossible to assemble molecules. Or the body will have to destroy some other molecules. For example, when fasting, amino acids are taken from the blood and bones.

Everyone has their own

What are proteins and why are they so unique? These are combinations of complex structure, connected at least at three levels (sometimes there are also quaternary proteins). And they are unique because the body synthesizes them based on the genetic information embedded in the DNA of each of us. Each cell has its own "apparatus" for protein synthesis - the ribosomal complex. However, twins, who are biological clones, have the same proteins, which makes them ideal donors for each other.

Amino acids required

amino acid composition of proteins

Since proteins are so individual, the body does not fully absorb them. In the digestive system, proteins are broken down into amino acids and absorbed in this form. And then the body sends them to points where "repair work" is needed. They are needed every day in large quantities in the skin, lining of the gastrointestinal tract and in the growth zones of nails and hair. In a word, neglecting proper nutrition is dangerous to health.

Vegan issues

What are proteins in terms of nutrition? Previously, it was believed that amino acids of plant proteins cannot be a building material, since they are not absorbed without some amino acids typical of animal tissues. This statement turned out to be a myth during verification. When digestion occurs in the stomach, all types of amino acids are secreted into the food lump. Thus, all 20 in the right proportions enter the intestines. And everything is perfectly absorbed. Although itโ€™s really not very healthy to be a vegan, as there are some vitamins and factors that are not synthesized by โ€œherbivorousโ€ people.

Process Conductors

proteins in the human body

Proteins in the human body play an important role in the regulation of both nervous and humoral. Neurotransmitters are substances that provide the transfer of momentum from one neuron to another. And humoral regulation with the help of proteins is provided by the synthesis of hormones, which slowly but surely guide the processes in the body.

Conclusion

What are proteins? These are the components of our body, individual and extremely complex. Consisting of twenty amino acids and designed to protect (proteins of the immune system), regulation and proper construction functions.

Source: https://habr.com/ru/post/G16594/


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