Protein

Proteins are macromolecules composed of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. The amino acid units are linked by the peptide bond and the chain formed is called peptide chain. Amino acid is a nitrogenous compound having both an acidic carboxyl(-COOH) and a basic amino ((NH2) group.

Structure of protein
There are 4 types. 1. Primary structure 2. Secondary structure 3. Tertiary structure 4. Quaternary structure

Structure of protein

Primary structure - Amino acid sequence

The sequence of different amino acids is called the primary structure of protein. They are linear and unfolded type. The main mode of linkage of the amino acids in protein is the peptide bond which links carboxyl group of one amino acid residue to the amino group of the other. Example: Silk fibroin.

Secondary structure - Helix formation

They are coiled peptide chain. Folding and hydrogen bonding between neighbouring amino acids results in the formation of a rigid, tubular structure called a helix. There are 2 types of helix. Alpha helix It has a series of aminoacids woven into spiral chain and is held together by hydrogen bonds. The helix is so named because of the mobility of carbon atoms. Example: Keratin of wool. Beta helix Two or more peptide chains are linked together laterally by hydrogen bonds. Example: Silk, muscle.

Tertiary structure - Folding of the chain

The tertiary structure involves the folding of the helices of globular proteins. It refers to three-dimensional structure of a single protein molecule. The alpha-helices and beta-sheets are folded into a compact globule. It is folded and irregular form and it has helical and non helical segments. The bonds involved in the existence of spherical proteins at regular intervals are disulfide, hydrogen, hydrophobic and ionic. Example: Myoglobin It is present in muscle cells and is abundant in muscles of diving mammals such as the whale, seal etc. The storage of oxygen permits the animal to remain submerged for long periods.

Quaternary structure Protein protein interactions

The globular proteins consist of two or more interacting peptide chains. This association of a number of subunits into complex large sized molecules is referred to as the quaternary structure. Example: Hemoglobin oxygen binding blood protein. It is larger than myoglobin. It is roughly spherical in shape. It consists 4 polypeptide chains are of two types, 2 alpha chains and 2 beta chains. The & chains are held together as a pair by ionic and hydrogen bonds. The two pairs are then joined to each other by ionic bonds, hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic forces. Thus the four polyptide chains fit together tetrahedrally.

Functions of Protein
Proteins are the most versatile macromolecules in living systems and serve crucial functions in essentially all biological processes. Protein sources: Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and are found in a variety of foods. Meat, milk, cheese, and egg are complete proteins that have all the essential amino acids. Other sources of protein include whole grains, rice, corn, beans, legumes, oatmeal, peas, and peanut butter. Protein function: Protein should account for 10% to 20% of the calories consumed each day. Protein is essential to the structure of red blood cells, for the proper functioning of antibodies resisting infection, for the regulation of enzymes and hormones, for growth, and for the repair of body tissue. They function as catalysts, they transport and store other molecules such as oxygen, they provide mechanical support and immune protection, they generate movement, they transmit nerve impulses, and they control growth and differentiation.

Functions of Protein
Protein has a range of essential functions in the body, including the following: Required for building and repair of body tissues (including muscle) Enzymes, hormones, and many immune molecules are proteins Essential body processes such as water balancing, nutrient transport, and muscle contractions require protein to function. Protein is a source of energy. Protein helps keep skin, hair, and nails healthy. Protein, like most other essential nutrients, is absolutely crucial for overall good health.