Proteins 1

Question 1

What are proteins?

Answer 1

Proteins are any classes of nitrogenous organic compounds which have large molecules composed of one or more long chains of amino acids and are an essential part of all living organisms. Functions include contraction, regulation, facilitating reactions, immune response, transport, endocrine regulation and structure

Question 2

What are the three categories of proteins?

Answer 2

Indispensable (essential - need to get from diet), dispensable (non-essential, can be synthesised by essential) and conditionally indispensable (may or may not need in diet)

Question 3

Important considerations regarding proteins

Answer 3

Protein quality (essential amino acids) and how well the protein is digested (proportional to body weight)

Question 4

Protein Quality

Answer 4

Human body requires a regular supply of all essential amino acids to synthesis body proteins, protein quality metrics have been based on the content of essential amino acids in a food and their digestibility

Question 5

Limiting amino acid

Answer 5

Essential amino acid is not provided in adequate amounts so protein synthesis is limited to rate at which essential amino acid is available. Essential AA then become limited.