Protein Flashcards
(17 cards)
What does the word ‘protein’ mean?
Protein comes from the Greek word meaning ‘prime importance’.
Why are proteins essential to the body?
Proteins are essential to the small units in the body called cells.
What elements are proteins composed of?
Protein contains the elements carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen.
What are the main functions of proteins in the body?
Proteins have 2 main functions: structural and functional.
What do structural proteins do?
Structural proteins help the body grow, replace or repair damaged cells, and replace worn out cells.
What do functional proteins do?
Functional proteins make things happen inside and outside of cells, such as making enzymes and antibodies.
What role do enzymes play in the body?
Enzymes are catalysts that make chemical reactions happen throughout the body.
What are antibodies used for?
Antibodies are used to fight infections.
What are hormones?
Hormones are messengers that travel in the bloodstream telling different parts of the body what to do.
What are amino acids?
Proteins are composed of amino acids, which are the building blocks of life.
How many amino acids are there?
There are 20 amino acids.
What are non-essential amino acids?
Non-essential amino acids can be made by the body.
What are essential amino acids?
Essential amino acids are those that the body cannot make and must be obtained from food.
What are complete proteins?
Complete proteins contain all of the essential amino acids, such as meat, fish, cheese, soybeans, and milk from animal sources.
What are incomplete proteins?
Incomplete proteins do not contain all of the essential amino acids.
What are some functions of protein?
Functions of protein include growth of new cells, repair of body tissue, and formation of body chemicals such as enzymes and hormones.
What are some food sources of protein?
Food sources include meat, fish, chicken, eggs, legumes, and soybeans.
