Proteins Are Complex Molecules - Essay Example

Proteins are classified according to their body function (Whitford, 2005). Antibodies are specialized proteins that protect the body from foreign invaders in the bloodstream, and they protect the body against bacteria and viruses by immobilizing antibodies that are immediately destroyed by the white blood cells(Whitford, 2005). Contractile proteins such as actin and myosin are responsible for the movement of the body cells through muscle contraction and movement. Enzymes are another category of proteins, and they are responsible for the facilitation of biochemical reactions whereby they speed up the reactions. Proteins of this kind are mainly involved in the digestive system, e.g., the lactase for sugar breakdown and the pepsin for protein breakdown.

Another category of proteins is the hormonal proteins which are messenger proteins that help in the coordination of bodily activities(Creighton, 2010). The most common hormonal protein is insulin which controls the blood sugar levels in the body(Creighton, 2010). Other hormonal proteins are oxytocin and somatotropin which stimulate childbirth and protein production in muscle cells respectively. Structural proteins are fibrous and stingy, and they play the role of providing support to the body cells. An example of structural proteins is the keratins that give strength to protective covering such as hair. Proteins involved in the storage of amino acids such as ovalbumin and casein are categorized as storage proteins(Whitford, 2005). Some proteins such as the hemoglobin and the cytochromes are involved in the transportation of molecules around the body, and they fall in the category of transport protein.

Proteins are formed by the combination of organic compounds called amino acids and they are the building blocks of life. Whereas proteins are digested, amino acids are left and the body utilizes them to break down food, grow, produce energy, and repair body tissues. Amino acids are classified into three groups namely the essential amino acids, non-essential amino acids, and conditional amino acids(Creighton, 2010). The body contains nine essential amino acids, and they are unique since the body cannot produce them hence must come directly from food(Whitford, 2005). Non-essential amino acids are those that are produced by the body irrespective of whether we eat them and include alanine asparagine and glutamic acid. Conditional amino acids, as their name suggests, are required in the body at specific times such as times of illness and stress. Such amino acids include arginine cysteine and serine and are only produced when required since in normal conditions they are not essential to the body.

Proteins are beneficial to the body when taken in sufficient amounts(Creighton, 2010). Over-consumption of proteins comes at the expense of taking small amounts of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and therefore causes the body to have too many calories. Researchers argue that a lot of protein consumption taxes the kidney. Underconsumption of proteins on the other hand leads to malnutrition called kwashiorkor which has the effects of prolonged diarrhea, loss of body ass, thrive failure, and frequent infections and swelling.

Doctors advise children (1-4 years) to take 16 grams of protein daily while anybody above this age is required to take 50 grams of protein each day. Special groups like pregnant women should take more proteins ranging from 60-65 grams daily. Rich sources of proteins include animally-based products such as fish eggs beans and peas(Creighton, 2010).