Relating To Proteins

Question 1

Which amino acid is contraindicated when using the antidepressant monoamine oxidase inhibitors? (MAOIs)

Answer 1

Tyrosine

Question 2

Functions of protein in the body

Answer 2

• As building materials for growth and maintenance; building blocks of muscles, blood, skin, and most body structures e.g. build bones, cells first lay a matrix from protein collagen, and then fill it with mineral crystals
• Enzymes - enzymes break down, build anew and transform substances, without themselves being altered in the process i.e. pepsin
• Hormones - Tryptophan - melatonin, tyrosine and iodine - thyroid hormones
• Immunoglobulins - Immunoproteins IgG, IgA, IgM, IgD are proteins that are found in blood or other bodily fluids
• transport proteins - Albumin (ca, zn, B6), transthyretin and retinol binding protein (Vit a), Hemeproteins (O2)
• as acid-base regulators - proteins have negative charges on their surface which attract hydrogen ions because they have positive charges
• as regulators of fluid balance - proteins attract water; if plasma proteins leak out of capillary walls faster than they can be reabsorbed, fluid accumulates in the tissues - swelling, edema
• other roles-conjugated proteins - conjugated proteins are proteins joined to non protein components like glycoproteins.

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Question 3

Which amino acid produces a calming effect in the brain by increasing levels of serotonin and dopamine?

Answer 3

Theanine commonly found in green tea.

Question 4

Why does cabbage juice help with promoting healing of peptic ulcers?

Answer 4

It’s full of glutamine. Studies suggest that glutamine stimulates intestinal mucosal growth and protects from mucosal atrophy.

Question 5

Tryptophan

Answer 5

Converts to serotonin with the help of B6