Question

What are the functions of protein?

Answer 1

Hint: Proteins are large, complex molecules that play important roles in the body. Most of the work is done by proteins in cells and so are required for the structure, function, and regulation of the body's tissues and organs.

Complete answer: All enzymes are proteins. They are produced by living cells, and they act as catalysts in biochemical reactions, like digestion and are mostly complex or conjugated proteins. The enzyme may help in the breakdown, rearrangement or synthesis reactions. Enzymes that usually break down their substrates are called catabolic enzymes, whereas enzymes that build more complex molecules from their substrates are called anabolic enzymes. Enzymes that affect the rate of reactions are called catalytic enzymes. It should be considered that all enzymes increase the rate of reaction and, therefore, are called to be organic catalysts. Enzymes may be in different forms such as;
i. Hormones: Hormones are usually small proteins or steroids that are secreted by endocrine cells. They control and regulate specific physiological processes that include growth, development, metabolism, and reproduction. For example, the insulin that is a protein hormone helps to regulate the blood glucose level.
ii. Antibodies: Proteins even act as antibodies. These antibodies bind to specific foreign particles, such as viruses and bacteria, to help to protect the body.
iii. Enzymes: They carry out thousands of chemical reactions that take place in cells. They also assist with the formation of new molecules by reading the genetic information stored in DNA.
iv. Messenger: Messenger proteins are some types of hormones that transmit signals to coordinate biological processes between different cells, tissues and organs.
v. Structural proteins: Proteins always provide structure and support to cells. On a broad scale, they also allow the body to move.
vi. Transport/storage: Proteins can bind and carry atoms or small molecules within cells and throughout the body. They even provide nourishment in the early development of the embryo.

Note: Proteins have a variety of functions within the cell. It occurs in four different structural conformations, such as primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary. Proteins having primary structures are the simplest of them all, whereas secondary, tertiary and quaternary are the most complex structures of proteins.