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Questions and Answers
What determines the specific function of a protein?
What determines the specific function of a protein?
- The type of food the protein is derived from.
- The specific sequence of amino acids and how the protein folds. (correct)
- The number of amino acids in the protein.
- The size of the protein molecule.
Which of the following is NOT a primary function of proteins in the body?
Which of the following is NOT a primary function of proteins in the body?
- Storing genetic information. (correct)
- Providing structural support.
- Transporting substances throughout the body.
- Speeding up chemical reactions.
Why are essential amino acids important in the human diet?
Why are essential amino acids important in the human diet?
- They are not broken down during digestion and are absorbed directly into the cells.
- The body cannot synthesize them on its own. (correct)
- They are more easily digested than non-essential amino acids.
- They are only needed in large quantities compared to other amino acids.
What is the role of enzymes like pepsin in the digestive system?
What is the role of enzymes like pepsin in the digestive system?
Which of the following protein functions is best exemplified by antibodies?
Which of the following protein functions is best exemplified by antibodies?
How do proteins contribute to the repair of muscle tissue after exercise?
How do proteins contribute to the repair of muscle tissue after exercise?
What process occurs in the small intestine during protein digestion?
What process occurs in the small intestine during protein digestion?
Why is it important for vegetarians and vegans to combine different plant-based protein sources?
Why is it important for vegetarians and vegans to combine different plant-based protein sources?
In what way do proteins regulate functions in the body?
In what way do proteins regulate functions in the body?
Which key term describes proteins that speed up chemical reactions?
Which key term describes proteins that speed up chemical reactions?
Flashcards
What are Proteins?
What are Proteins?
Large molecules made of amino acids, folding into specific shapes that determine their function.
Amino Acids
Amino Acids
The monomers, or building blocks, of proteins; 20 types exist, used to create thousands of proteins.
Essential Amino Acids
Essential Amino Acids
Amino acids the body cannot produce on its own and must be obtained from food.
Non-Essential Amino Acids
Non-Essential Amino Acids
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Enzymes
Enzymes
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Pepsin
Pepsin
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Protein Absorption
Protein Absorption
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Protein
Protein
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Amino Acid
Amino Acid
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Enzyme
Enzyme
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Study Notes
- Proteins are large molecules composed of amino acids.
- They fold and twist into specific shapes, dictating their function.
The Monomers of Proteins: Amino Acids
- Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins.
- There are 20 different types of amino acids.
Essential Amino Acids
- These cannot be produced by the body itself.
- They can be obtained through foods like meat, eggs, dairy, quinoa, and soy.
Non-Essential Amino Acids
- These amino acids are produced by the body.
- Sources outside the body are not required.
Protein Functions
- Proteins play diverse roles in the body.
Structural Support
- Proteins like collagen provide strength to bones, skin, and tendons.
Enzymatic Function
- Proteins act as enzymes to speed up chemical reactions.
- Digestive enzymes break down food into smaller molecules for absorption.
Transport
- Proteins like hemoglobin carry oxygen in the blood.
Defense
- Antibodies are proteins that help fight infections.
Regulation
- Hormones like insulin regulate blood sugar levels.
Enzymes: Special Proteins for Chemical Reactions
- Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions.
- Each enzyme is specific to a particular reaction.
- Pepsin is an enzyme that helps break down proteins in the stomach into smaller peptides.
Proteins in Digestion
- The digestive system breaks down proteins into amino acids.
- This occurs when consuming foods rich in protein, such as chicken, beans, or fish.
Stomach
- Pepsin and stomach acid break down proteins into smaller fragments.
Small Intestine
- Enzymes like trypsin break down fragments into individual amino acids.
Absorption
- Amino acids are absorbed into the bloodstream and delivered to cells to build new proteins.
Importance of Proteins
- Proteins are vital for growth, repair, and maintaining body functions.
- Help repair and strengthen muscles.
- Help create enzymes and hormones.
- Provide raw materials for hair, skin, and nails.
Animal-Based Sources
- Meat, fish, eggs, and dairy are useful sources.
Plant-Based Sources
- Beans, lentils, tofu, nuts, and seeds, are useful sources.
- Combining plant-based proteins can provide all essential amino acids.
- Example: rice and beans together provides a complete amino acid profile.
Key Terms
- Protein: A molecule made of amino acids.
- Amino Acid: The building block of proteins.
- Essential Amino Acids: Amino acids that must be obtained from food.
- Enzyme: A protein that speeds up chemical reactions.
- Pepsin: An enzyme that breaks down proteins in the stomach.
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