Chapter 1:Proteins

Question 1

What are proteins made up of?

Answer 1

proteins are complex molecules that contain mainly carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen. These elements form the basic chemical units of proteins called amino acids. A protein molecule is formed when many amino acids are joined together by chemical bonds and molecular interactions.

Question 2

Where does the digestion of protein molecules start?

Answer 2

the digestion of proteins begins in the stomach. partially digested proteins from the stomach are broken down into amino acids in the small intestine.

Question 3

How many types of amino acids are there?

Answer 3

essential and non essential amino acids.

Question 4

What are essential amino acids?

Answer 4

They are amino acids that the humna body is unable to prodiuce and they must be obtained from food.

Question 5

What are non essential amino acids?

Answer 5

They are amino acids that the human body can produce and they need not be obtained from food.

Question 6

What are the 9 essential amino acids?

Answer 6

Histidine
Isoleucine
Leucine
Lysine
Methionine
Phenylalanine
threonine
Tryptophan
Valine

Question 7

What are the 11 non essential amino acids?

Answer 7

Alanine
Arginine
Asparagine
Aspartic acid
Cysteine
Glutamic acid
Glutamine
Glycine
Proline
Serine
Tyrosine

Question 8

Define ´Biological value´

Answer 8

Biological value is the measure of how well a protein can be absorbed and used by the body. Dietary proteins are classified as having a high or low biological value.

Question 9

What are complete proteins?

Answer 9

Proteins of a high biological value are also known as complete proteins. They supply the body with all the essential amino acids in the right amounts.

Question 10

What are examples of complete proteins?

Answer 10

Beef, chicken, eggs, tilapia, milk, and soya beans are examples of high biological value proteins, which can be well absorbed by the body.

Question 11

What are incomplete proteins?

Answer 11

Proteins of a low biological value are also known as incomplete proteins. They lack one or more essential amino acids that is required by the human body. With the exception of soya beans and quinoa, most plant proteins are of low biological value.

Question 12

What are examples of food with low biological value?

Answer 12

Proteins of low biological value can be found in almonds, barley, dhal and sunflower seeds. These proteins are not as well absorbed and used by the body.

Question 13

How are complementary proteins formed?

Answer 13

complementary proteins are formed by combining two or more low biological value proteins that the body obtains all the essential amino acids for various body functions.

Question 14

What are the 2 food sources of proteins?

Answer 14

Plant sources and animals sources.

Question 15

What are examples of food that are from plant sources that contain protein?

Answer 15

Pulses: Chickpeas, Green peas, Lentils, Mung Beans, red kidney beans, soya beans
Nuts and seeds: Cashew nuts, Macadamia nuts, Pistachio nuts, walnuts, lotus seeds, Melon seeds, Sesame seeds.
Grain products: Quinoa

Question 16

WHat is examples of food that are from animal sources that contain protein?

Answer 16

Meat: Beef, chicken, pork
Eggs: Duck eggs, Hen eggs, Quail eggs
Dairy products: Cheese Full cream milk, Low-fat milk, Yoghurt
Seafood: Milkfish, Sardines, Seabass, Tilapia, MUssels, Oysters, Prawns

Question 17

What are the fuinctions of Proteins in the body?

Answer 17

Growth and repair, Providing structure,immunity, Energy reserve, body movement.

Question 18

Elaborate on the function of proteins: Growth and repair.

Answer 18

Proteins are important to support growth and maintain good health. Proteins are also needed for the body to repair and replace worn-out cells and tissues.

Question 19

Elaborate on the function of proteins: Providing structure

Answer 19

proteins (e.g., collagen) are important components in the skin, nails, ligaments, muscles, tendons, and other tissues. They provide structure and internal support to the human body and organs.

Question 20

Elaborate on the function of proteins: Transportation of nutrients, wastes and gases.

Answer 20

Proteins help to transport gases, nutrients, and wastes from one tissue to another in the body. For example, hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells, delivers oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body

Question 21

Elaborate on the function of proteins: Formation of enzymes

Answer 21

Enzymes are made of proteins and they are involved in chemical reactions of the body. For example, digestive enzymes are needed to break down large food molecules into smaller substances during digestion

Question 22

Elaborate on the function of proteins: immunity.

Answer 22

Proteins are needed to support a strong immune system. Proteins in the form of antibodies protect the body against attacks by harmful microorganisms and foreign substances. An insufficient intake of protein weakens the body, causing one to fall sick easily.

Question 23

Elaborate on the function of proteins: Energy reserve

Answer 23

proteins act as an energy reserve when there is an insufficient intake of carbohydrates and fats from the diet. During prolonged starvation, proteins in the body are forced to break down to supply energy due to depleted carbohydrates and fats stores. As a result, the body lack proteins to perform other important tasks, such as building muscles, fighting diseases and regulating body processes.

Question 24

Elaborate on the function of proteins: Body movement

Answer 24

Proteins make up a huge portion of the muscles in the body. All body movements are enabled through muscles contraction.