Proteins Chapter 7.1

Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of proteins in the body?

To make a wide array of important biological compounds

What is the basic structural unit of proteins?

Amino acids

What is the distinguishing feature of proteins compared to other macronutrients?

They contain nitrogen

What is the classification of an amino acid that cannot be synthesized by the human body?

Essential Signup and view all the answers

What is the common misconception about protein and muscular development?

That a lack of protein leads to poor muscular development and weak muscular strength Signup and view all the answers

What are some examples of protein-rich foods that are often overlooked?

Eggs, milk, and grains Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of protein in the diet?

It is essential for making important biological compounds Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of protein in the body according to Milo of Croton's diet?

It is essential for optimal physical performance Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a buffer in the body?

To maintain the normal pH of a solution Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the basic portions of protein molecules in maintaining normal pH?

To bind to excess hydrogen ions and raise the pH Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the group that varies with each type of amino acid?

R group Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe amino acids that can be synthesized by the body?

Nonessential amino acids Signup and view all the answers

Which amino acid is conditionally essential and can be synthesized from methionine and serine?

Cysteine Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of proteins in the human body?

To provide structure, transport, and regulation of various bodily functions Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of taurine in the body?

To form components of bile and act as an antioxidant Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of structural proteins like collagen and keratin?

To provide structure to tissues and organs Signup and view all the answers

Why is taurine an essential amino acid for cats and foxes?

Because they cannot synthesize it from other amino acids Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of proteins in the bloodstream?

To transport oxygen and nutrients to cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the body's ability to convert the carbon skeletons of certain amino acids to glucose?

Gluconeogenesis Signup and view all the answers

How many amino acids are found in human proteins?

20 Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of decreased protein levels in the blood during starvation and some chronic illnesses?

Fluid accumulation in tissues, known as edema Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the process of removing the nitrogen-containing group from an amino acid?

Deamination Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal pH range of body fluids?

7.35 to 7.45 Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of proteins in maintaining acid-base balance in the body?

To help maintain the proper pH of body fluids Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of enzymes in the body?

To speed up chemical reactions Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of proteins in the immune system?

To fight against infection and disease Signup and view all the answers

What happens when the level of protein in the blood decreases?

Some water leaks out of the bloodstream and enters spaces between cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of proteins in the body?

They are important for various bodily functions, including structure, transport, and regulation Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Proteins in the Body

Proteins are complex organic molecules that contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen atoms
They are necessary for muscle development and maintenance, but have a wide variety of functions, including:
- Making or functioning as new cells and components of cells
- Forming structures such as hair, nails, and skin
- Enzymes, lubricants, clotting compounds, antibodies, and compounds that help maintain fluid and pH balance
- Certain hormones and neurotransmitters
- Energy source (minor, under usual conditions)

Protein Functions

Structural proteins, such as collagen, are found in cartilage, ligament, and bone tissue
Contractile proteins enable movement, and transport proteins carry substances in the bloodstream
Proteins are necessary for blood to clot properly
Certain hormones, such as insulin and glucagon, are proteins
Neurotransmitters send signals from one nerve cell to another
Enzymes speed up chemical reactions without becoming part of the products
Antibodies are proteins that fight infections

Proteins in Blood

Proteins in blood, such as albumin, help maintain the proper distribution of fluids in blood and body tissues
Blood proteins help counteract the effects of blood pressure by attracting fluid, returning it to the bloodstream
During starvation and some chronic illnesses, the level of protein in blood decreases, leading to edema (fluid accumulation in tissues)

Amino Acids

Proteins are composed of 20 different amino acids
Amino acids have a carbon atom that anchors a hydrogen atom and three different groups of atoms: the amino or nitrogen-containing group, the R group, and the acid group
The R group varies with each type of amino acid, identifying the molecule as a particular amino acid
The carbon skeleton is an important component of an amino acid, as it can be converted to glucose and used for energy

Classifying Amino Acids

Amino acids are classified as either nonessential or essential, based on the body's ability to make them
11 of the 20 amino acids are nonessential, meaning the body can make them
9 amino acids are essential, meaning they must be supplied by foods
Some nonessential amino acids are "conditionally essential," meaning they become essential in certain situations

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Description

This quiz covers the basics of proteins, including their primary function, structural units, and classification of amino acids.