What are proteins: words from millions of letters

What are proteins: words from millions of letters
What are proteins: words from millions of letters
Anonim

Each cell of the human body is unique. And this individuality is provided by proteins. What are proteins? They are also called proteins. They are champions in the complexity of the molecules that make up the protein substance itself. Especially a lot of proteins in 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 our body weight, which is why it is so important to get enough building material from food.

Components of a complex whole

what are proteins
what are proteins

As words are made up of letters, proteins are made up of amino acids. There are 20 "letters" in the alphabet of human biochemistry. 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 is very important.proteins that you consume. Not enough components - and the molecules will be impossible to assemble. Or the body will have to destroy some other molecules. For example, during 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 a 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 "equipment" for protein synthesis - the ribosomal complex. However, the twins, who are biological clones, have the same proteins, which makes them ideal donors for each other.

Required amino acids

amino acid composition of proteins
amino acid composition of proteins

Because proteins are so individual, the body does not absorb them in their entirety. 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 short, neglecting proper nutrition is dangerous to he alth.

Problems of veganism

What are proteins in terms of nutritional value? Previously, there was an opinion that the amino acids of vegetable proteins cannot be a building material, since they are not absorbed without some amino acids typical of animal tissues. This statement, when tested, turned out to be a myth. Whendigestion takes place in the stomach, amino acids of all kinds are released into the food bolus. Thus, all 20 in the right proportions enter the intestines. And everything is perfectly digestible. Although being a vegan is really not great, as there are some vitamins and factors that are not synthesized in "herbivorous" people.

Process Conductors

proteins in the human body
proteins in the human body

Proteins in the human body play an important role in the regulation, both nervous and humoral. Neurotransmitters are substances that transmit impulses 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 for protection (immune system proteins), regulation and proper building functions.

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