Protein is a class of substances necessary for the life of every organism. The fact is that its molecules perform a huge number of the most diverse functions, without which the existence of any living subjects would be impossible.
What are proteins made of?
Each such substance includes a fairly large number of smaller components called amino acids. In total, just over 40 of them have been discovered. At the same time, only 20 of them can be found in the human body.
Amino acids can be combined in almost any order. A change in the position of at least 1 of them entails a complete metamorphosis of those properties that the protein will have. As a result, today there is a great variety of all kinds of proteins.
Functions of protein molecules
At the moment, it is established that proteins play an exceptional role for all living things. The fact is that protein is a biologically active substance that can affect each of the organs. Naturally, different proteins are responsible for different parts of the body.
If we talk about the functions of proteins, then first of all it is necessary to note the fact that theythe most active substances of the body - enzymes and hormones. They regulate the human metabolism at each of its levels. The following proteins are excellent examples: pepsin, chymotrypsin, somatotropin, vasopressin, insulin, prolactin and others.
In addition, it should be noted that muscle fibers are composed of proteins. Due to the special properties of actin and myosin, humans, as well as all animals, are able to move. The fact is that they can contract and relax. As a result, being under the control of the central nervous system, muscle fibers provide movement. As a result, protein is the substance that allows humans and other living beings to move around.
Also, in certain cases, proteins can be used as an energy source. However, this only happens when insufficient amounts of carbohydrates and fats enter the body. So, we can say with confidence that proteins are substances that, although they can be used as an energy material, they are not intended for this.
Protein content of various foods
To ensure life, a person needs an intake of approximately 100 g of protein per day. It is believed that most proteins can be obtained from meat. In fact, things are somewhat different. Most proteins are found in caviar of chum salmon and sturgeon. In addition, a lot of proteins are found in soy, dried porcini mushrooms, beans, lentils and peas.
Despite all this, for a humanprotein is the substance that is obtained primarily from meat, poultry, and fish. Particularly protein-rich foods are tuna, beef, chicken, pork, rabbit, turkey, and ham.
Swiss and Dutch cheese are important sources of protein. Other products made from milk are quite low in protein.
Many people are interested in how much protein is in eggs. It is now known that their dry residue contains a large amount of proteins. As for ordinary eggs, there is much less protein here than in meat.
