Proteins Flashcards
where are proteins found?
animal and plant foods
how many amino acids are proteins made of?
20 amino acids
where do we get essential proteins from?
must be provided by the diet
where do we get non-essential proteins from?
most of the time can be synthesised by the body
when do we get conditional proteins?
become essential when ill, pregnant
what is the protein structure made out of?
hydrogen, nitrogen, carbon, oxygen atoms
what is the function of proteins?
- required for growth
- maintenance and repair of body tissue
- synthesize hormones
- transports oxygen from lungs to other tissues
- helps maintain fluid levels
what are complete proteins and where do you find them?
contain all 9 essential amino acids
fish, meat, eggs, milk, cheese
high biological value
what are incomplete proteins and where do you find them?
lack one or more essential amino acids
legumes, nuts, whole grains
low biological value
what are complementary proteins?
when two or more foods are combined to contain all 9 essential amino acids
what can a poorly balanced vegetarian/vegan diet lead to?
lack of vitamin b12, iron and essential amino acids
what is a novel protein and where can you find them?
based on vegetable protein and micro organisms
tofu, algae, microbial protein, insects
what is the one element proteins have that fats and carbs don’t?
nitrogen
