Proteins are the basis of the existence of a living cell. They make up the bulk of its elements. The building function of proteins is their presence in many human organs and tissues. Most dense substances are made up of proteins. For example, muscles, supporting tissues, nails, hair.
Proteins are macromolecular compounds. For example, a protein molecule is several hundred times larger than a water molecule. Any protein substance is formed due to compounds called amino acids. They are arranged in a strict order, following one after another, forming a long chain, which is called a peptide chain. The 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 building function of proteins, is the basis for the existence and development of all living things.
Protein properties
Research by scientists has proven that the physical and chemical properties of a protein are determined by the amino acids present in it, their number and sequence of compounds.
Proteinsare:
- insoluble and soluble in water;
- unstable, changing with little impact on them, and sustainable.
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 the functions they perform. For example, proteins in the form of filaments are present in muscles because they are endowed with the ability to contract. Easily soluble proteins, with a molecular structure of small balls, perform the functions of transportation. Proteins with an easily modified structure are used as a catalyst.
Protein Functions
Each organic substance, being in the body, performs certain functions. Consider what functions that ensure the life of a person, a protein performs:
Construction. Protein is used in the formation of shells and cell membranes, as part of blood vessels, tendons. The building function of proteins (examples are described in the article) is fully manifested in such organs and tissues as skin, hair, nails, etc
- Motor.
- Catalytic. Various chemical reactions are constantly taking place in the human body. Enzymes, which consist of proteins, regulate the speed of their passage.
Transport. Proteins transport vital substances throughout the body and all tissues. For example, the protein hemoglobin carriesoxygen
Protective. The immune system produces antibody proteins in response to harmful foreign microorganisms that have entered 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, and most of them consist of proteins or polypeptides
Nutritious. For example, the protein casein is present in breast milk and is responsible for the satiety of the baby
The building function of protein is one of the main ones responsible for the normal functioning of the body.
Amount of proteins in the human body
The presence of proteins in every living cell is at least half of its dry weight. In general, only twenty amino acids are present in all proteins, while various 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 unevenly throughout the body.
| Organs, tissues | % protein on dry weight |
| Leather | 63 |
| Bones | 20 |
| Teeth | 18 |
| Muscles | 80 |
| Brain | 45 |
| Light | 82 |
| Spleen | 84 |
| Liver | 57 |
| Adipose tissue | 14 |
Building function of proteins
Where is it carried out? In the human body, the creation of new cells and the restoration of destroyed tissues is impossible without the presence of protein. It is also involved in the synthesis of digestive juices, is part of immune bodies, hormones. Protein also performs an energy function: during heavy physical exertion, it is necessary to receive 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, the living organism will not be able to exist. How is the building function of proteins manifested? Examples of proteins and their effect on the organism of living beings are described below:
- Keratin - the protein that makes up hair, nails; in animals - wool, horns, hooves. Depending on the set of amino acids, it can be soft and flexible, or it can be hard and strong.
- Collagen - present in tendons and cartilage, its fibers do not stretch, so muscle force is directed to the bones to which the muscles are attached.
- Elastin is a protein whose strength is not very high, while it has good elasticity, it can easily stretch under pressure. Located in the walls of blood vessels.
Protein in cellular skeletons
The building function of protein is manifested both in the structure of the body and in cells - proteins create an internal cytoskeleton.
There are three types of cell skeleton:
- microtubules;
- microfilaments;
- filaments.
Microtubules are tubules made up of the protein tubulin. With their help, the components of the cell are transferred through it.
Microfilaments are made up of actin protein. They create a fine continuous mesh under the outer membrane of the cell, thus making it resilient and strong.
The presence of a certain type of protein in intermediate filaments is determined by the cells in which they are located. Based on research, filaments are believed to give the cell strength.
Amino acids
Amino acids are a bond of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen and (sometimes) sulfur. There are more than 100 types of amino acids, 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:
- Replaceable - the body synthesizes them itself.
- Essential - derived from food.
- Conditionally-essential amino acids that can be synthesized by the body, but this requires the presence of a certain amount of other amino acids.
Importance of amino acids
The presence in the body of the main set of amino acids is mandatory, since their deficiency will affect the violations of the functionality of those organs for which they are responsible. For example, a deficiency of lysine in the bloodprovokes a decrease in hemoglobin levels, which has a detrimental effect on human he alth.
One amino acid is called a peptide, a bond of 3-100 amino acids is a small protein. Proteins can be made up of 100-800 amino acids in series.
So, where is the building function of proteins? 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, they are involved in muscle contraction, cell movement.
The building function of proteins is that proteins are present in cell membranes, form the skeleton of the cell, are part of ribosomes, chromosomes and other vital formations.
Protein pathway during construction function
The protein that performs the building function goes its way. For example, the path followed by a protein that has entered the body from food is as follows. From food, it enters the stomach, where it is broken down into amino acids. After that, they are absorbed by the intestinal mucosa and enter the liver, from which they spread to all organs and tissues of the body to ensure protein synthesis. The building function of proteins is manifested in the fact that they are involved 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 ofproteins play the main roles, thanks to which the development and functioning of the body is carried out.
The building function of proteins is manifested in the formation of new cells and the regeneration of old ones. For regeneration, the presence of the right amount of protein is necessary so that it is enough to replace worn-out cells.
Great wear and tear of tissues and cells is observed in people leading a sports lifestyle. Therefore, they need to consume food rich in proteins. This also applies to those who are engaged in mental activity.
Proteins are able to bind water, forming colloidal structures. We can say that life is the process of the existence of proteins, their relationship with the environment. If this process stops, the life of a living organism will end.
