Proteins-General Information Flashcards
Proteins are the primary component of:
Muscles, hair, skin, nails, eyes, internal organs (especially the heart muscle) and brain
Why is protein important for immune function?
Immune system requires proteins to form antibodies that help fight infections.
Protein Digestion: First Step, Mouth
Mastication: saliva aids in the breaking down of food.
Protein Digestion: Second Step, Stomach
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.
Protein Digestion: Step 3, Small Intestine
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
Protein Digestion, Step 4, Liver
Proteins are carried to the liver through portal vein circulation.
The liver is the main site and regulator of amino acids.
60-70% of amino acids available in the body come from?
Recycled old tissue proteins
Examples of body proteins that are formed from amino acids:
enzymes hormones antibodies tissue proteins (like muscle) Tissue substances (melanin, epinephrine, creatine, niacine, choline, etc...)
What are the 5 main functions of protein?
Growth and Maintenance Energy Building Important substances Fluid and Salt Balance Acid-Alkaline Balance
Protein function: Growth and Maintenance
What are the main characteristics?
Rebuilding of new tissue
protein production brings back body’s strength
Protein function: Energy, How many calories per gram does protein supply?
4 calories/gram
Function of Protein: Energy
What order will the body use macronutrients?
Carbohydrates first, fat next, protein last
Function of Protein: Energy
What will happen if there isn’t enough protein consumed?
Body will breakdown tissue protein to meet its needs.
Function of Protein: Building Important Substances
What are enzymes?
Protein Catalysts
Funct. of Protein: Building Imp. Subtances
What is the key component of red blood cells?
Hemoglobin which is an iron bearing protein.
Funct. of Protein: Fluid and Salt Balance
What does protein inside the cells help do?
Keep the correct amount of water in the cells.
Funct. of Protein: Fluid and Salt Balance
How do proteins affect plasma?
Proteins in plasma help maintain the blood volume level.
Funct. of Protein: Fluid and Salt Balance
How to proteins affect the sodium-potassium balance?
It helps maintain the balance.
Push sodium out, and bring potassium in.
Funct. of Protein: Acid-Alkaline Balance
What function does protein have in maintaining the balance?
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).
Protein Requirements
What the average protein requirement?
40-70 grams per day.
Protein Requirements
How is the amount of protein in a body measured?
Nitrogen levels indicate how much protein is in the body.
Protein levels are usually measured using a urea nitrogen test of urine.
When is a positive nitrogen balance needed?
A positive nitrogen balance is needed during illness and healing.
How does protein assist in illness and healing?
Protein helps repair damaged tissues and creates new tissue
Chronic Diseases associated with the over-consumption of protein
Arthritis
diabetes
Cardiovascular disease
Cancer
What are the symptoms of protein deficiency?
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.
