Proteins and Amino Acids

Storage Proteins

act as biological reserves of necessary items such as amino acids and metal ions

Alpha Carbon

central carbon atom of an amino acid, covalently bonded to the amino and carboxyl groups

Enzymes

chemical catalysts which promote and regulate almost all chemical reactions occurring on a cellular level

Transport Proteins

help to move items within the body; inlcude hemoglobin

Proteins

large molecules required in the diet to help form muscle fibers as well as carry out numerous other vital functions in the body.

Defensive Proteins

protect the body from various threats; include antioxidants

Signal Proteins

proteins responsible for communication between cells; many hormones are in this category

Structural Proteins

proteins which help to form and maintain the objects which form the structure of the body including muscle tendons and ligaments

Amino Acids

the building blocks of proteins

Denaturation

the process by which proteins lose their shape and function, often occurring due to an outside stimulate such as heat

Contracticle proteins

work closely with structural proteins; these allow for movement to occur and include actin and myosin