Posts Tagged ‘Functions of Proteins’
Functions of Proteins
Proteins are large organic molecules consisting of carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur and some also. Its basic components are the amino acids. Proteins play important roles for the organism, such as:
- Energy. When the supply of carbohydrates and fat from the diet is not enough to meet the energy needs amino acids from ingested proteins are oxidized to obtain energy as 1 gram of protein provides 4 kcal.
- Structural. It is their primary function, as many proteins are part of the body structures, such as keratin that forms part of the hair, skin and nails, collagen, an essential component of bones, tendons and cartilage and elastin, ligaments .
- Transportation. Some proteins transport specific ions or molecules from one organ to another. For example, the hemoglobin that carries oxygen-carrying albumin or free fatty acids, certain hormones …