Bio Chemistry

BIOCHEMISTRY 3(2+1)

Lesson 9 : Proteins – Classification, Functions, Structure - Amino Acids

Nutritional Functions

Protein should account for 10% to 20% of the calories consumed each day. Protein is essential to the structure of red blood cells, for the proper formation and functioning of antibodies for resisting infection, for the regulation of enzymes and hormones, for growth, and for the repair of body tissue. Proteins serve as a major energy supplier.

Biochemical Functions :

1. catalysts - enzymes for metabolic pathways
2. storage and transport - e.g. myoglobin and hemoglobin
3. structural - e.g. actin, myosin
4. mechanical work - movement of flagella and cilia, microtubule movement during mitosis, muscle contraction
5. decoding information - translation and gene expression
6. hormones and hormone receptors
7. specialized functions - e.g. antibodies