Protein

Question 1

Functions of protein

Answer 1

-Growth and repair
-Maintenance of cells and body tissues (muscles, nails, hormones, enzymes, skin protein, cell membranes antibodies, haemoglobin)
-Secondary source of energy

Question 2

What are the small building blocks that make proteins?

Answer 2

Amino acids

Question 3

What are the two types of amino acids?

Answer 3

Essential amino acids and non-essential amino acids

Question 4

What are essential amino acids?

Answer 4

Amino acids that we must eat because our bodies can’t make them

Question 5

What are non-essential amino acids?

Answer 5

Amino acids are bodies can produce

Question 6

What are high biological proteins?

Answer 6

HBV proteins contain all the essential amino acids we need. E.g. animal products, quorn & quinoa.

Question 7

What are low biological value proteins?

Answer 7

LBV proteins are missing one or more of the essential amino acids we need. E.g. plant sources, nuts, seeds & lentils.

Question 8

What are complementary proteins?

Answer 8

We combine lots of different LBV proteins in our diet to ensure we receive all the essential amino acids.

Question 9

What are two essential amino acids?

Answer 9

-Leucine
-Lysine
-Valine

Question 10

How much do we need?

Answer 10

Average male - 55g a day
Average female - 45g a day

Question 11

What happens in a protein surplus?

Answer 11

Any surplus not used for growth, repair or maintenance will be used for energy. If this is not needed, it will be converted to fat and stored in the body

Question 12

What happens in a protein deficiency?

Answer 12

Deficiency causes muscle wastage, oedema, anaemia, slow growth in children and in sever cases kwashiokor can occur.

Question 13

How many essential amino acids are there?

Answer 13

8

Question 14

How many non-essential amino acids are there?

Answer 14

12