Cell Bio - Variety and Functions of Proteins

Question 1

What factors does the 3D shape of a protein decide and why?

Answer 1

• It determines a protein’s function and what it can interact with.
• This is because proteins form attachments and interact with other molecules and structures inside organisms.

Question 2

List 5 common proteins in the body

Answer 2

1. Enzymes
2. Hormones
3. Antibodies
4. Receptors
5. Structural

Question 3

What is an enzyme?

Answer 3

• Proteins that function as biological catalysts
• Made by all living cells. They speed up cellular reactions and are unchanged in the process.

Question 4

What is a hormone?

Answer 4

Chemical messengers transported in an animal’s blood to ‘target’ tissues where they cause a certain effect.

Question 5

What is an antibody?

Answer 5

Proteins made by white blood cells to defend the body against micro-organisms that could cause disease.

Question 6

What is a receptor?

Answer 6

• Proteins that allow communication between cells.
• Usually in a cell’s membrane that recognises and fits the signal molecule perfectly.

Question 7

What is a structural protein?

Answer 7

Vital structural components of the cell membrane and of the membrane that encloses each of the cell organelles.