Proteins

What are Proteins?

Proteins are strings of amino acids and are the active elements of cells. Amino acids contain nitrogen, carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Some also contain sulphur or phosphorus.

The human body needs 20 amino acids to be able to make (or synthesize) its thousands of proteins. The body can make 12 of the 20 amino acids on its own, the other 8 we have to get from the food we eat. Some proteins provide structure in cells and body tissues. Proteins can also be found in hormones, antibodies, and enzymes.

How do Proteins Work?

	How do proteins work?

Different proteins have different and very specific functions. They can provide structure (hair and fingernails), help in digestion (stomach enzymes), detoxify poisons, or help fight disease. Proteins are major components of almost all cell membranes and are important in controlling how substances pass through these membranes.

Proteins that are enzymes are catalysts for biochemical reactions. Proteins that are antibodies react with foreign substances to defend the body.

Proteins in Foods

Assortment of meats.

As humans, we need protein in our diets in order to get the essential amino acids that our bodies cannot make. Proteins can be found in many foods, including meat, poultry, fish, milk, tofu, beans and lentils, nuts, vegetables and cereals such as rice and pasta.

Your genome contains 3.4 billion chemical letters.