Proteins

Question 1

Define protein

Answer 1

Proteins are made up of long chains of amino acids

Question 2

What do proteins do?

Answer 2

• structural – for example hair and tendons
• infection fighters – for example antibodies
• messengers – for example certain hormones
• transport materials - for example hemoglobin, which transports oxygen
• enzymes that speed up (catalyze) reactions in our bodies – for example amylase which breaks down starch

Question 3

Define amino acid

Answer 3

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins

Question 4

How many different amino acids does the body use?

Answer 4

20

Question 5

How many amino acids does the body make?

Answer 5

11

Question 6

How many amino acids must be obtained by food?

Answer 6

9

Question 7

Define complete protein

Answer 7

Foods that contain all 9 essential amino acids

Question 8

What are examples of complete proteins?

Answer 8

Beef, fish, dairy products, and poultry

Question 9

Define incomplete protein

Answer 9

Foods that do not include all 9 of the essential amino acids

Question 10

What are examples of incomplete proteins?

Answer 10

Plant foods

Question 11

Define complementary protein

Answer 11

Foods that, when eaten together, provide all of the nine essential amino acids

Question 12

What are examples of complementary proteins?

Answer 12

Legumes and grains eaten together (ex. rice and beans)

Question 13

What does protein do if there is an abundance of other macronutrients?

Answer 13

Perform its vital functions

Question 14

What does protein do if there is not an abundance of other macronutrients?

Answer 14

Protein is converted to glucose or glycogen and becomes a source of energy instead

Question 15

What does severe protein deficiency cause?

Answer 15

Severe protein deficiency may cause a disease called kwashiorkor. One symptom of this disease is a swollen belly due to liquid that collects below the surface of the skin