What are some examples of protein?
Answer
Proteins are a class of macromolecules that perform a diverse range of functions for the cell. They help in metabolism by acting as enzymes, carrier, structural, regulatory, contractile, or protective. They may serve in transport, storage, or membranes. Or they may be toxins or enzymes. They are all amino acid polymers arranged in a linear sequence.
Types of Protein:
Digestive Enzymes: amylase, lipase, pepsin, trypsin --> Help in food by catabolizing nutrients into monomeric units.
Transport: Hemoglobin, albumin, channels --> Carry substances in the blood or lymph throughout the body.
Structural: Actin, tubulin, keratin, collagen --> Construct different structures, like the cytoskeleton
Hormones: Insulin, thyroxine --> Coordinate different body systems' activities
Defenses: Immunoglobulins --> Protect the body from foreign pathogens.
Contractile: Actin, myosin --> Effect muscle contraction
Storage: Legume storage proteins, egg white (albumin) --> Provide nourishment in early embryo development and seeding.