Proteins Flashcards
What represent a diverse array of nitrogenous molecules in the body?
Proteins
What molecules is protein made up of?
Carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen
Does protein contain sulfur
Yes, but only occasionally
What are the building blocks of proteins?
Amino Acids
Do carbs contain nitrogen?
No
Do lipids contain nitrogen?
No
Do proteins contain nitrogen?
Yes
What is a type of pepsin that has two amino acids linked together?
Dipeptides
What is a type of pepsin that has three amino acids linked together?
Tripeptides
What is a type of pepsin that has a small number (5-50) of amino acids linked together?
Oligopeptides
What is a type of pepsin that has more than 50 amino acids linked together?
Polypeptides
What is a type of pepsin that has one or more polypeptides with complex structure?
Protein
How many amino acids make up all proteins?
20
How many essential amino acids are there?
9
Can essential amino acids be synthesized by the body?
No
Can nonessential amino acids be synthesized by the body?
Yes
What is an essential amino acid in lowest concentration in food or diet relative to body needs?
Limiting amino acid
What is the most satiating (filling) of all the macronutrients?
Protein
What are the different food sources of animal protein?
Dairy, meat, eggs, and fish
What are the different food sources of plant proteins?
Beans, nuts and grains
What are 3 factors of animal foods?
- High quality
- Highly digestible
- Higher in fat
What are 3 factors of plant foods?
- Low quality
- Less digestible
- Higher in carbs
What are the 2 factors that make a protein high quality?
- They have complete proteins
2. They have sufficient amounts of the essential amino acids
What do incomplete proteins require?
Complementation
Which types of protein are the most digestible?
Dairy and meat
Which types of protein are the least digestible?
Foods that require cooking and other types of processing
What is the source range for the least digestible proteins?
70-85%
What are the components in foods that cause allergies ?
Proteins
What is an inappropriate immune response to a food protein that is often severe and can even be fatal?
Food Allergy
What is an inappropriate immune response to a food protein that is more mild and creates chronic problems?
Food Sensitivity
What is the best way to test for food allergies and food sensitivity?
An elimination diet
In order to be digested what first needs to happen to proteins?
They need to be unfolded and then the bonds between amino acids need to be broken
What is the role of the stomach in protein digestion?
Acid unfolds the protein
What is the role of the small intestine in protein digestion?
CCK causes release of enzymes
What is an autoimmune response to wheat protein?
Celiac Disease
What are the symptoms of celiac disease?
Malnutrition and intense abdominal pain
What is an inflammatory response to different wheat proteins?
Gluten sensitivity
What are the symptoms of gluten sensitivity?
Abdominal pain and gas/bloating, constipation and/or diarrhea, and skin rash
What is the structural role of protein in the body?
It helps support the muscle
Is an enzyme a protein?
Yes
What is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, appetite and sleep as well as intestinal motility?
Serotonin
What is a hormone that regulates sleep?
Melatonin
What regulates energy metabolism?
Thyroid hormone
What is a neurotransmitter that is involved in executive functions, motor control, motivation, arousal, reinforcement, and reward pathways?
Dopamine
What is a neurotransmitter that increases arousal and alertness, promotes vigilance, enhances formation and retrieval of memory, and focuses attention?
Norepinephrine
When there is protein malnutrition what is one of the first things to shut down?
The immune system
Does kwashiorkor cause severe weight loss or mild to moderate weight loss?
It causes mild to moderate weight loss
Does marasmus cause severe weight loss or mild to moderate weight loss?
It causes severe weight loss
Which organ produces glucose?
The liver
Can fatty acids be used to make glucose?
No
When does your body need to make its own glucose?
During periods of fasting or on low-carb diets
Why is protein the only slow-release carbohydrate?
The liver only releases them when we need them
Are proteins a primary source of energy for the body?
No
What are the preferred fuel sources of the body?
Fatty acids and carbs
When are proteins used as an energy source for the body?
When you are starving, have extreme bouts of physical activity or during poorly controlled weight loss
What is a diet with protein intake higher than the RDA (20-35%)?
A high protein diet
What does a high protein diet macronutrient intake look like?
Moderate protein, high fat, and low carb
What are the 4 myths of a high protein diet?
- Low in plant foods (fiber), vitamins, phytochemicals
- High in saturated fat and cholesterol
- Excessive intake of processed red meat is linked with colon cancer
- Burden on the kidney
What are the 4 advantages of a high protein diet?
- Effective for fat loss
- Stabilizes blood sugar
- Helps build muscle
- Can boost energy levels, reduce jitteriness, agitation and mood swings, improve sleep, and sharpen brain function
What are the 4 disadvantages of a high protein diet?
- Too much methionine can be problematic
- Can increase intake of cholesterol and saturated fat
- Can decrease intake of healthy carbs
- The advantages can disappear if the diet is stopped
What type of person eats only plant food?
Vegan
What type of person only eats fruits, nuts, honey, and vegetable oils?
Fruitarian
What type of person eats plant and dairy products?
Lactovegetarians
What type of person eats plant products, dairy, eggs?
Lacto-ovovegetarians
Are vegans and fruitarian herbivores or omnivores?
They are herbivores
Are lactovegetarians and lacto-ovovegetarians herbivores or omnivores?
They are omnivores
What are the 4 advantages of a vegetarian diet?
- Consume lots of healthy vegetables and fruits
- Limit consumption of cholesterol and saturated fat
- High in fiber
- Better relationship with food
What are the 6 disadvantages of a vegetarian diet?
- Nutrient deficiencies more likely
- Hard to get enough bioavailable protein
- Excess indigestible protein
- Potential for excess omega-6 fatty acids
- Less absorbable iron form
- Concern for pregnant women, infants and children