An Overview of Proteins, Carbohydrates and Lipids
SCI101-1404B-01
Professor: Carma Cook
Phase 1 – Assignment
Gina Salazar
What is a Protein?
Proteins play a critical part in the human body
Does the majority of the work in human cells
Necessary for structure, function, and regulation of tissue and
organs
Contain large amounts of amino acids
Number of amino acid in protein structure determines function
of the protein
Any error in protein molecules can result in disease
What is a Protein?
Main functions of protein:
Antibodies: to fight viruses and bacteria to protect the body
Enzyme: carry out most all of the chemical reactions in the body Messenger: these proteins coordinate biological processes in the body
Structural Component: proteins provide structure and support such as muscle
Transportation and storage: Proteins act as a vehicle to carry atoms and molecules throughout the body
What is a Protein?
There are many types of protein, for example:
1.
Hair and Nails
2.
Muscles
3.
Enzymes
4.
Antibodies
What is a Protein?
Only a couple protein types are visible to the naked eye:
Hair
Fibrous protein
Made of alpha-keratin protein
Alpha-keratin also found in wool, finger nails, and feathers
Muscle
Actin and Myocin are the proteins that make up muscles
This enable movement such as blinking, swallowing, running, etc.
40% of the weight of a healthy human body consists of muscle
What is a Protein?
Many proteins are small and are not visible to the naked eye,
such as:
Enzymes
Small molecular proteins that aid in food digestion
Maltase is an enzyme that helps breakdown sugars (see image)
Can be found in saliva and in the small intestine and pancreas
Antibodies
Aids in warding off disease and viruses (antigens)
Attaches to the antigen to help guide it out of the body
Often used in anti-venom to reverse effects of animal/insect venom What is a Protein?
Protein consumption is important to the human body
There are many sources of protein
High-Quality Protein:
Contain higher levels of amino acids
Examples: lean meats, nuts, legumes, eggs
Low-Quality Protein:
Have higher fat content and lower levels of amino acids
Examples: red meats, cheeses, butter, sausages
What is a Carbohydrate?
Necessary nutrient for the body
Main source of energy for the body
Carbohydrates change to sugar which provide energy to organs
Liver stores excess sugar for later use
Two type of carbohydrates are:
Simple carbohydrates:
Fruits, vegetables and milk products
Can come from refined foods and added sugar
Complex carbohydrates:
Breads, grains, legumes and starchy vegetables
Complex carbs are high in fiber
What is a Carbohydrate?
Starch and Cellulose Carbohydrates serve different purposes
Starch:
Consumable by humans
Found in food products like vegetables, grains, legumes
Humans have enzymes that can convert starch to sugar to provide energy
Simple molecular structure
Cellulose:
Not consumable by humans due to enzymes inability to break down
Plant-based and edible to some insects and animals
Used in textiles such as rope and clothing
Complex molecular structure
What is a Lipid?
Lipids come from some plants but mostly animals
Fats, steroids and cell membranes are types of lipids
An average size body will contain 22 lbs of lipids
Important to the body:
Lipids contain twice as much energy as carbohydrates
Helps sustain a body without food ingestion for several days
Protects the body from extreme temperatures (cold)
What is a Lipid?
There are several types of lipids that serve different purposes, such as:
Triglycerides – a fat that can be saturated or unsaturated. Not
water soluble.
Steroids – such as cholesterol, testosterone/estrogen, and
vitamin D2
Waxes – a fatty acid that you can find in the ear or on bird
feathers. Provides protection from external elements.
