Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, forming complex structures that determine their function. From essential amino acids we must consume to non-essential ones our bodies produce, these molecules play crucial roles in maintaining our health and supporting vital processes.
Proteins serve diverse functions in our bodies, from providing structure to catalyzing reactions and transporting molecules. Understanding how we digest and metabolize proteins is key to grasping their importance in nutrition and overall health.
Amino Acids and Protein Structure
Structure and role of amino acids
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Amino acid structure forms building blocks of proteins
Central carbon atom (alpha carbon) bonds to four groups
Amino group (-NH2) provides basic properties
Carboxyl group (-COOH) contributes acidic properties
Side chain (R group) determines unique amino acid properties (hydrophobic, polar, charged)
Peptide bond formation links amino acids
Condensation reaction between amino and carboxyl groups releases water molecule
Creates chain of amino acids forming polypeptides
Protein structure levels determine function
Primary: sequence of amino acids defines protein identity
Secondary: alpha helices and beta sheets stabilize structure through hydrogen bonds
Tertiary: three-dimensional shape forms through various interactions (disulfide bonds, hydrophobic interactions)
Quaternary: multiple polypeptide chains associate to form functional proteins (hemoglobin )
Essential vs non-essential amino acids
Essential amino acids cannot be synthesized by human body
Must be obtained through diet to maintain health
Nine essential amino acids in humans include leucine, isoleucine, valine
Non-essential amino acids synthesized by body
Not required in diet but crucial for protein synthesis
Examples include alanine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid
Conditionally essential amino acids become essential under specific circumstances
Needed in higher amounts during illness, stress, or growth
Examples include arginine (important for wound healing), cysteine (limited synthesis in premature infants)
Functions of proteins in body
Structural components provide support and protection
Collagen strengthens connective tissue in skin, bones, tendons
Keratin forms protective layers in hair, nails, skin
Enzymes catalyze biochemical reactions
Accelerate chemical processes in cells (amylase, lipase)
Regulate metabolism and cellular functions
Transport proteins move molecules throughout body
Hemoglobin carries oxygen in red blood cells
Albumin transports fatty acids and maintains blood osmotic pressure
Hormones regulate physiological processes
Insulin controls blood glucose levels
Growth hormone stimulates cell growth and reproduction
Immune system components defend against pathogens
Antibodies recognize and neutralize foreign substances
Complement proteins enhance immune response
Energy source utilized when carbohydrates and fats depleted
Provides 4 kcal/g during prolonged fasting or intense exercise
Protein digestion breaks down proteins into absorbable units
Begins in stomach: pepsin cleaves peptide bonds
Continues in small intestine: pancreatic enzymes (trypsin, chymotrypsin) further break down peptides
Brush border enzymes complete digestion into individual amino acids
Absorption transports amino acids into bloodstream
Occurs in small intestine through active transport mechanisms
Amino acids enter intestinal cells and move to portal vein
Distributed to tissues for protein synthesis or energy production
Protein metabolism maintains balance between synthesis and breakdown
Protein turnover: continuous process of synthesis and degradation
Transamination transfers amino groups between amino acids
Deamination removes amino groups for energy production or glucose synthesis
Urea cycle converts excess nitrogen to urea for excretion
Protein synthesis builds new proteins
Transcription: DNA information copied to mRNA
Translation: mRNA sequence decoded to amino acid sequence
Post-translational modifications: protein folding, additional processing
Nitrogen balance reflects overall protein status
Positive balance: protein synthesis exceeds breakdown (growth, pregnancy)
Negative balance: protein breakdown exceeds synthesis (malnutrition, illness)
Equilibrium: synthesis equals breakdown (healthy adults)