Protein Fundamentals and Structures

Importance of Protein

• It is an essential nutrient for the human body
• It plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including muscle growth and repair, hormone production, and immune system function
• Protein is crucial for building and maintaining healthy tissues

Types of Proteins

• Proteins are composed of amino acids
• There are 20 different types of amino acids
• Some amino acids are essential meaning that the body cannot make them and must be acquired through diet
• Others are nonessential and can be synthesized by the body

Protein Structure

• There are four levels of protein structure
• Primary Structure: refers to the linear sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain
• Secondary Structure: refers to the local folding of the polypeptide chain into structures such as alpha-helices and beta-sheets
• Tertiary Structure: refers to the overall three-dimensional shape of a single polypeptide chain
• Quaternary Structure: refers to the arrangement of multiple polypeptide chains (subunits) to form a functional protein.

Importance of Fiber in Diet

• Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that the body cannot digest
• It is important for digestive health, promoting regular bowel movements and preventing constipation
• Fiber can also help lower cholesterol levels and regulate blood sugar
• Types of fiber include soluble and insoluble.
• Soluble fiber dissolves in water and forms a gel-like substance in the digestive tract.
• Examples are pectin, found in fruit, and beta-glucan, found in oats.
• Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water and adds bulk to the stool.
• Examples include cellulose, found in vegetables, and lignin, found in wheat bran.

Nucleic Acids

• Nucleic acids are essential biomolecules present in all living organisms
• The two main types of nucleic acids are deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA).
• DNA is the genetic material of an organism, containing the instructions for building and maintaining an organism.
• RNA is involved in protein synthesis, transferring genetic information from DNA to ribosomes where proteins are made
• Nucleic acids are composed of nucleotides, which are made up of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.
• There are five nitrogenous bases found in nucleic acids: adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), thymine (T), and uracil (U).

Importance of Nucleic Acids

• Nucleic acids are essential for life as they carry the genetic information that determines the traits of an organism.
• They are used in the production of all proteins, enzymes, and other essential molecules.
• Mutations in nucleic acids can lead to genetic disorders.