Chapter 3: Problem 6

What are the functions of proteins?

Short Answer

Expert verified

Proteins are large molecules that serve various functions, including enzymatic catalysis, structural support, transport, signaling and communication, immune response, movement, and storage. They are essential for numerous biological processes, including speeding up chemical reactions as enzymes, providing structural support to cells and tissues, transporting molecules like oxygen and nutrients, aiding in cell communication, fighting off pathogens through immune responses, enabling muscle contraction, and acting as storage molecules for essential substances like iron.

Step by step solution

1. Introduction to proteins

Proteins are large molecules made up of amino acids. They play a crucial role in the structure, function, and regulation of living organisms.

2. Enzymatic catalysis

Enzymes are proteins that act as biological catalysts. They speed up chemical reactions within cells, allowing necessary processes to occur at a faster rate.

3. Structural support

Proteins provide structural support to cells and tissues. For example, actin and myosin are proteins that generate muscle movement, and collagen is a protein that provides strength and flexibility to connective tissues.

4. Transport

Proteins are involved in the transportation of molecules within cells and throughout the body. Hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells, carries oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and cells and brings carbon dioxide back to the lungs.

5. Signaling and communication

Proteins aid in cell communication and signaling. For example, receptors on the surface of a cell allow it to receive signals from the environment or neighboring cells and respond appropriately.

6. Immune response

Proteins play a crucial role in the immune system. Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins, are proteins produced by white blood cells that help identify and neutralize foreign substances, such as bacteria and viruses.

7. Movement

Proteins have a role in muscle contraction and movement. Actin and myosin proteins interact in muscle cells, enabling contraction and relaxation, resulting in movement.

8. Storage

Proteins can function as storage molecules. For instance, the protein ferritin stores iron in animal cells, allowing the body to access and use iron as needed. In conclusion, proteins are vital to the proper functioning of organisms, playing roles in numerous processes such as enzymatic catalysis, structural support, transportation of molecules, cellular communication, immune response, movement, and storage.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

Recommended explanations on Biology Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

What are the functions of proteins?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

1. Introduction to proteins

2. Enzymatic catalysis

3. Structural support

4. Transport

5. Signaling and communication

6. Immune response

7. Movement

8. Storage

One App. One Place for Learning.

Most popular questions from this chapter

Recommended explanations on Biology Textbooks

Control of Gene Expression

Substance Exchange

Cells

Heredity

Plant Biology

Chemistry of Life

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.