To visualize a molecule of protein, close your eyes and see a very long chain, rather like a chain of sausage links. The links in the chains are amino acids, commonly known as the building blocks of protein. In addition to carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms, amino acids contain a nitrogen (amino) group. The amino group is essential for synthesizing (assembling) specialized proteins in your body.
The chains are then folded into a 3 dimensional state
here is a pictorial of what a heterotrimeric G-protein
here is a pictorial of what a heterotrimeric G-protein
would look like.
What the heck is an amino acid?
How is an amino acid different than any other acid? Also is it made up of atoms?
When I researched the term Amino acid
They are acids because they are electron donors in a chemical bonding. The "amino" part of the name stems from the fact that they all have an amine group ( -NH2 ) at one end.
Amino acids are called this due to the Amine N-R3 group and the O-C=O carboxylic acid group found in all of them.
Here is some more info for more understanding
There are 22 essential, meaning that the body can't manufacture them.
| Essential Amino Acids | Nonessential Amino Acids |
|---|---|
| Arginine* | Alanine |
| Histidine* | Asparagine |
| Isoleucine | Aspartic acid |
| Leucine | Citrulline |
| Lysine | Cysteine |
| Methionine | Glutamic acid |
| Phenlyalanine | Glycine |
| Threonine | Hydroxyglutamic acid |
| Tryptophan | Norleucine |
| Valine | Proline |
| Serine | |
| Tyrosine |
Read more about amino acids
This shows you how some of the basic amino acids and they are made up of
molecules. One common one is Lysine that we have heard of .
molecules. One common one is Lysine that we have heard of .
Lysine is essential to our bodies and can be found in the protein of eggs, and other protein
sources as well.
sources as well.
What Kinds of Proteins Are There?
- Antibodies - are specialized proteins involved in defending the body from antigens (foreign invaders). They can travel through the blood stream and are utilized by the immune system to identify and defend against bacteria, viruses, and other foreign intruders. One way antibodies counteract antigens is by immobilizing them so that they can be destroyed by white blood cells.
- Contractile Proteins - are responsible for movement. Examples include actin and myosin. These proteins are involved in muscle contraction and movement.
- Enzymes - are proteins that facilitate biochemical reactions. They are often referred to as catalysts because they speed up chemical reactions. Examples include the enzymes lactase and pepsin. Lactase breaks down the sugar lactose found in milk. Pepsin is a digestive enzyme that works in the stomach to break down proteins in food.
- Hormonal Proteins - are messenger proteins which help to coordinate certain bodily activities. Examples include insulin, oxytocin, and somatotropin. Insulin regulates glucose metabolism by controlling the blood-sugar concentration. Oxytocin stimulates contractions in females during childbirth. Somatotropin is a growth hormone that stimulates protein production in muscle cells.
- Structural Proteins - are fibrous and stringy and provide support. Examples include keratin, collagen, and elastin. Keratins strengthen protective coverings such as hair, quills, feathers, horns, and beaks. Collagens and elastin provide support for connective tissuessuch as tendons and ligaments.
- Storage Proteins - store amino acids. Examples include ovalbumin and casein. Ovalbumin is found in egg whites and casein is a milk-based protein.
- Transport Proteins - are carrier proteins which move molecules from one place to another around the body. Examples include hemoglobin and cytochromes. Hemoglobin transports oxygen through the blood. Cytochromes operate in the electron transport chain as electron carrier proteins.
What is BV? What does it have to do with Protein?
BV
Biological value, or BV, is the measure of the efficiency of a protein and how it can be absorbed and used by the body for growth -- higher the number, the higher the efficiency. Egg protein sets the standard with a BV of 100 and is assumed to be the most readily utilized protein.
More about BV
Here is a chart that shows the BV of different protein sources.
Egg Proteins
Eggs are an incredible source of protein. 1/2 cup of egg whites has a little over 13 grams of protein, but the best part is that it is very easily synthesized into your system with a 100 BV rating.
http://www.muscleandstrength.com/supplements/ingredients/egg-protein.html
Beef Protein
In 4 oz of Beef there are 23 grams of protein
1 oz of Lean tri tip there is 6 grams protein
Salmon also has 6 grams of protein per ounce.
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