Proteins-General Information

Question 1

Proteins are the primary component of:

Answer 1

Muscles, hair, skin, nails, eyes, internal organs (especially the heart muscle) and brain

Question 2

Why is protein important for immune function?

Answer 2

Immune system requires proteins to form antibodies that help fight infections.

Question 3

Protein Digestion: First Step, Mouth

Answer 3

Mastication: saliva aids in the breaking down of food.

Question 4

Protein Digestion: Second Step, Stomach

Answer 4

The Stomach produces hydrochloric acid.
Food remains in the stomach for 2-6 hours.
Stomach secrets an enzyme called protease that removes the bonds holding together the long chains of amino acids that break down protein.

Question 5

Protein Digestion: Step 3, Small Intestine

Answer 5

Pancreatic enzyme tryspin converts the polypeptides into dipeptides or trypeptides.
Further down small intestine, pepitdases recude polypephdes to single amino acids.
Protein molecules are reduced in sized until they can pass through the intestinal wall.
Carried to liver

Question 6

Protein Digestion, Step 4, Liver

Answer 6

Proteins are carried to the liver through portal vein circulation.
The liver is the main site and regulator of amino acids.

Question 7

60-70% of amino acids available in the body come from?

Answer 7

Recycled old tissue proteins

Question 8

Examples of body proteins that are formed from amino acids:

Answer 8

enzymes
hormones
antibodies
tissue proteins (like muscle)
Tissue substances (melanin, epinephrine, creatine, niacine, choline, etc...)

Question 9

What are the 5 main functions of protein?

Answer 9

Growth and Maintenance
Energy
Building Important substances
Fluid and Salt Balance
Acid-Alkaline Balance

Question 10

Protein function: Growth and Maintenance

What are the main characteristics?

Answer 10

Rebuilding of new tissue

protein production brings back body’s strength

Question 11

Protein function: Energy, How many calories per gram does protein supply?

Answer 11

4 calories/gram

Question 12

Function of Protein: Energy

What order will the body use macronutrients?

Answer 12

Carbohydrates first, fat next, protein last

Question 13

Function of Protein: Energy

What will happen if there isn’t enough protein consumed?

Answer 13

Body will breakdown tissue protein to meet its needs.

Question 14

Function of Protein: Building Important Substances

What are enzymes?

Answer 14

Protein Catalysts

Question 15

Funct. of Protein: Building Imp. Subtances

What is the key component of red blood cells?

Answer 15

Hemoglobin which is an iron bearing protein.

Question 16

Funct. of Protein: Fluid and Salt Balance

What does protein inside the cells help do?

Answer 16

Keep the correct amount of water in the cells.

Question 17

Funct. of Protein: Fluid and Salt Balance

How do proteins affect plasma?

Answer 17

Proteins in plasma help maintain the blood volume level.

Question 18

Funct. of Protein: Fluid and Salt Balance

How to proteins affect the sodium-potassium balance?

Answer 18

It helps maintain the balance.

Push sodium out, and bring potassium in.

Question 19

Funct. of Protein: Acid-Alkaline Balance

What function does protein have in maintaining the balance?

Answer 19

Helps normalize the acid-alkaline balance by acting as a buffer.
Helps with the elimination of excess hydrogen ions so the PH of the blood is kept around 7.4 (alkaline state).

Question 20

Protein Requirements

What the average protein requirement?

Answer 20

40-70 grams per day.

Question 21

Protein Requirements

How is the amount of protein in a body measured?

Answer 21

Nitrogen levels indicate how much protein is in the body.

Protein levels are usually measured using a urea nitrogen test of urine.

Question 22

When is a positive nitrogen balance needed?

Answer 22

A positive nitrogen balance is needed during illness and healing.

Question 23

How does protein assist in illness and healing?

Answer 23

Protein helps repair damaged tissues and creates new tissue

Question 24

Chronic Diseases associated with the over-consumption of protein

Answer 24

Arthritis
diabetes
Cardiovascular disease
Cancer

Question 25

What are the symptoms of protein deficiency?

Answer 25

Edema
Nausea or dizziness
poor concentration
general, overall weakness
anemia
cataracts
catch cold, flu, infections easily
Muscle wasting
premature aging
low hormone levels
hair dull, loose, falling out.