Cell Biology - Functions of Proteins T2

Question 1

Functions of proteins

Answer 1

Proteins perform lots of different jobs in the human body and they are able to do this due to the great variety of shapes that can be formed as the amino acids join together into long chains.

Question 2

Structural Proteins

Answer 2

Some proteins form essential structural support to cells and tissues like the proteins in the cell membrane and the protein collagen that is found in fibrous tissue such as tendons.

Question 3

Hormones

Answer 3

Hormones are chemicals that are produced in one part of the body and carried in the blood to another part of the body where they bring about an effect. An example of a protein that is acts as a hormone is insulin, this is involved in controlling blood sugar levels within healthy limits.

Question 4

Antibodies

Answer 4

Antibodies are made by white blood cells and they help to fight against disease. Antibodies are specific to the infection that they work against.

Question 5

Receptors

Answer 5

Some proteins also act as receptors that act as a binding site for molecules.

Question 6

Enzymes.

Answer 6

Some proteins act as enzymes (biological catalysts) and they speed up the rate of cellular reactions while remaining unchanged. They made by all living cells and are essential to the continuation of life, as without them many processes such as photosynthesis or respiration would occur too slowly.