Protein Flashcards
What are proteins made of?
Proteins are polymers of amino acids linked by peptide bonds.
What are the main functions of proteins in the body?
Structural (muscles, skin), functional (enzymes, hormones), regulatory (signaling, gene regulation).
What percentage of body weight does protein account for?
Approximately 17%.
What are the three types of amino acids?
Essential, non-essential, and conditionally essential.
Name two essential amino acids.
Lysine and methionine.
What is the role of conditionally essential amino acids?
Required under specific conditions like stress or illness (e.g., arginine, tyrosine).
Where does protein digestion begin?
In the stomach with the activation of pepsin.
Which enzymes are involved in protein digestion in the small intestine?
Trypsin and chymotrypsin.
What happens to amino acids after absorption?
Used for protein synthesis, energy, or converted into other compounds.
What defines the primary structure of a protein?
The sequence of amino acids.
What type of bonding is involved in secondary protein structures?
Hydrogen bonding (e.g., α-helices, β-sheets).
What is an example of a protein with a quaternary structure?
Hemoglobin.
How much protein do adults need daily?
0.83 g/kg of body weight.
What is positive nitrogen balance?
When nitrogen intake exceeds nitrogen loss, seen during growth or pregnancy.
What is negative nitrogen balance?
When nitrogen loss exceeds intake, caused by insufficient protein or trauma
