Cadabes, April Rose T. BSED Science SC22 Narrative Report List the diverse roles proteins play in Biological Systems Protein The name Protein comes from the Greek word proteos, meaning “primary” or “first place.” Proteins are made up of amino acids that join together to form long chains. The protein could be assumed of as a string of beads, each bead representing an amino acid. There are 20 amino acids in one’s body that help to form the thousands of different proteins. Proteins spend the majority of their time in the cell and perform a variety of functions. Protein is an essential nutrient. There is no life without protein since Protein is contained in every part of your body, the skin, muscles, hair, blood, body organs, eyes, even fingernails and bone. The 5 roles of protein play in our body: Messenger, Enzymes, Structural, Defensive and Transport or Storage. Messenger proteins These proteins are secreted by the endocrine glands and act as chemical messengers that transmit signals from one cell to another. Hormones are an example of messenger proteins. They’re made and secreted by endocrine tissues or glands and then transported in your blood to their target tissues or organs where they bind to protein receptors on the cell surface. An example of a hormonal protein is insulin which is secreted by the pancreas to regulate levels of blood sugar. Also, adrenaline which is secreted by the adrenal glands especially in conditions of stress increases rates of blood circulation breathing. Adrenaline is also known as the “fight-or-flight hormone.” It’s released in response to a stressful, exciting, dangerous, or threatening situation. Enzymes Enzymes are causes Biochemical Reactions. It is a protein that aid the thousands of biochemical reactions that take place within and outside of our cells. Enzymatic proteins help accelerate chemical reactions in our body. These include liver functions stomach digestion are just a couple examples. Digestive enzymes help break down food into simple forms that your body can easily absorb. Bodily functions that depend on enzymes include: Digestion, Energy production, Blood clotting and Muscle contraction. Lack or improper function of these enzymes can result in disease. Structural Protein Structural proteins are necessary components of our body. A class of proteins known as fibrous proteins provide various parts of our body with structure, strength and elasticity. These proteins include keratin, collagen and elastin. Keratin is a structural protein that is found in your skin, hair and nails. Collagen forms the connective framework of our muscle’s bones and cartilage. Collagen is the most abundant protein in our body and is the structural protein of the bones, tendons, ligaments and skin. Elastin is several hundred times more flexible than collagen. Its high elasticity allows many tissues in your body to return to their original shape after stretching or contracting, such as your uterus, lungs and arteries. Defensive proteins It Bolsters Immune Health or our immune system. Proteins help form immunoglobulins, or antibodies, to fight infection. Defensive proteins like antibodies are large Y-shaped proteins, used by the immune system to identify and attack harmful bacteria and viruses. Transport and Storage Proteins Some proteins transport nutrients throughout your entire body, while others store them. It transports proteins carry substances throughout your bloodstream. Into cells, out of cells or within cells. The substances transported by these proteins include nutrients like vitamins or minerals, blood sugar, cholesterol and oxygen. For example, hemoglobin carries oxygen to the body tissues from the lungs. And calbindin is another protein that helps with the absorption and storage of calcium. Protein transporters are specific, meaning they will only bind to specific substances. In other words, a protein transporter that moves glucose will not move cholesterol. Proteins also have storage roles. Ferritin is a storage protein that stores iron. Another storage protein is casein, which is the principal protein in milk that helps babies grow. Protein plays a significant role in our bodies. It aids in the repair and development of your body's tissues, as well as allowing metabolic reactions and coordinating bodily functions. Proteins not only provide a structural framework for one’s body, but they also keep the pH and fluid balance in check. Finally, they support our immune system, transport and store nutrients, and can provide energy if necessary. Protein is one of the most essential nutrients for your health because of these functions. References: MooMooMath and Science (2020) Functions of Protein In The Body - How The Body Uses Proteins. United States. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_E7mq8bv4g De Walle, Gavin Van. (2018) 9 Important Functions of Protein in Your Body. Healthline https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/functions-of-protein