Proteins

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary role of proteins in the body?

Serving as a backup source of glucose

Acting as essential building blocks for tissues and organs (correct)

Regulating blood sugar levels

Providing energy for immediate use

Which group of amino acids must be obtained through diet?

Non-essential amino acids

Synthetic amino acids

Essential amino acids (correct)

Conditionally essential amino acids

How many essential amino acids do cats require in their diet?

11 (correct)

Which amino acid is unique to cats and cannot be synthesized in their bodies?

Taurine (D) Signup and view all the answers

What happens to surplus amino acids in the body?

They are converted to glycogen (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of protein function?

Storing genetic information (B) Signup and view all the answers

What can be a consequence of feeding cats a diet high in plant products?

Insufficient taurine levels (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which animal has a total of 10 essential amino acids in its diet?

Dogs (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary sources of nitrogen for the synthesis of nonessential amino acids?

Proteins (D) Signup and view all the answers

What role do proteins play in muscles?

Contracting elements of muscles (D) Signup and view all the answers

What defines the biological value of a protein?

The % of absorbed protein that is retained (B) Signup and view all the answers

What happens if there is excess protein in the body?

It is stored as dietary energy (fat) (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT significantly affect the quality of protein?

Type of carbohydrate present (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why are organ meats and animal byproducts included in pet diets?

They are a sustainable way to incorporate protein (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following protein sources is considered a plant-based protein?

Rice Protein (D) Signup and view all the answers

What consequence can result from a deficiency of any essential amino acid (EAA)?

Impaired immunity (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which protein quality term refers to the body's ability to convert absorbed amino acids for use?

Biologic value (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which protein source would have the higher digestibility generally?

Animal-based protein (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does fiber content influence protein quality?

Decreases digestibility of plant-based protein (B) Signup and view all the answers

What must occur for the body to store protein as fat?

Total caloric intake must exceed energy requirements (A) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Protein Structure and Function

Proteins are formed by amino acids linking together to create a complex 3D structure.
Animals use 21 of the many amino acids to create proteins.
Proteins are crucial for all bodily tissues and organs.
Proteins are fundamental to cell structure, playing a role in cell walls.
They're vital for tissue growth, repair, and maintenance.
Dietary protein provides essential amino acids.
Protein is crucial for synthesizing non-essential amino acids.
Amino acids are essential for building, repairing, and replacing body proteins.
Excess protein is converted to glycogen and potentially stored as fat.

Protein Functions in the Body

Proteins are involved in many bodily functions, including:
- Providing structure to cartilage, tendons, and ligaments.
- Enabling muscle contraction.
- Forming skin, hair, and nails (keratin).
- Creating blood proteins (albumin, globulins, hemoglobin).
- Producing enzymes, hormones, and antibodies.

Essential, Non-Essential, and Conditionally Essential Amino Acids

Amino acids are categorized into essential (must come from diet), non-essential (body can synthesize), and conditionally essential (needed in specific situations).
Dogs require 10 essential amino acids, and cats require 11.
Key essential amino acids for dogs: Arginine, Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Tryptophan, and Valine.
Key essential amino acids for cats: Same as dogs plus Taurine.

Taurine

Taurine is a conditionally essential amino acid critical for cats.
It's not synthesized by cats and is vital for retinal function, and myocardial function.
It's found predominantly in animal tissues.
Diets high in plant-based proteins may not provide sufficient taurine in cats, particularly if the diet is largely dry food.
Canned cat food often has a higher taurine requirement due to the heat-processing effect on protein.

Protein Quality and Source

Protein quality varies based on the completeness and digestibility of the protein source.
High-quality proteins provide essential amino acids in the correct proportions.
Low-quality sources may lack sufficient quantities of specific amino acids.
Cooking methods, temperature, and fiber content can affect the digestibility of protein sources.
Animal-based proteins are generally considered higher quality.

Protein Deficiency Symptoms

Deficiencies of essential amino acids can lead to:
- Impaired growth.
- Weight loss.
- Dull coat.
- Weakened immunity.

Protein Storage and Energy

The body stores excess protein as dietary energy (fat) if caloric intake exceeds energy requirements.

Biological Value of Protein

Biological value (BV) measures the body's ability to utilize absorbed protein.
High BV proteins require less intake to meet amino acid needs.

Protein Sources in Diets

Various animal and plant-based proteins are used: beef, chicken, pork, eggs, fish, various plant-based proteins (pea, potato, rice, soybeans).
Organ meats and animal byproducts are common and contribute to sustainable practices by using otherwise wasted materials.

Protein Requirements

Cats generally have higher protein requirements than dogs.

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Description

Test your knowledge on protein structure and their essential functions in the body. This quiz covers the role of proteins, amino acids, and how they contribute to tissue growth, repair, and overall body function. Perfect for students of biology and health science.