Proteins are very important particles in our cells. Proteins are included in basically all bodily cell functions, including cellular regeneration and repair, tissue maintenance and regulation, hormone and enzyme production (James, C.S. Delores). They vary in structure as well as function.
Talking about hormone and enzyme production, it is important to understand that amino acids are the basic components of hormones, which are critical chemical signaling messengers of the body (James, C. S. Delores. When protein functions are increased, according to the article Gain-of –function Mutations in Human Genetic Disorders “the results may be from genetic events that lead to protein over expression, loss of expression of a negative regulator, such as a tumor suppressor, or inherent activation of protein function by gain-of-function mutations that alter the protein’s primary amino acid sequence”.
Enzymes are referred to as the catalyst for biochemical reactions. They speed up reactions by providing an alternative reaction pathway of lower activation. The proteins in enzymes are mostly globular. Many of the enzymes have a protein and non protein, referred to as cofactor.
Protein as we stated is very important and the prescribed consumption is mainly dependent on the body size. When exercising, the amount of protein required for humans varies.
Protein serves various functions in the body. The structure of a protein determines its function.
James, DCS (Editor). Nutrition and Well-being A-Z. 2 vols. New York: Macmillan Reference, Thompson/Gale. 2004. 654 pages
Weinstein, L. (2006). Gain-of-function Mutations in Human Genetic Disorders, Retrieved May 6, 2010 from EBSCOhost University of