Proteins
What Proteins Do
Proteins have a wide variety of functions. They are the "workhorse" molecules of life. Proteins are extremely important macromolecules that assist cells in growth, reproductions, and survival. Some of the main functions of proteins are:
- Carry out chemical messages
- Transport substances
- Support cell structures
- Facilitate Movement
- Immune defenses
The central role for many proteins in a cell is to catalyze chemical reactions that are essential for the cell's survival. These proteins are known as enzymes.
Peptide Bonding
Peptide bonding with proteins is the initially the same concept as dehydration synthesis with carbohydrates. However, the difference between the two is that with proteins, the bond is now between amino acids after water is removed.
The joining of amino acids in the process of making proteins done by peptide bonds. A peptide bond is a covalent bond formed between two molecules when the carboxyl group of one molecule reacts with the amino group of the other molecule, then a water molecule is removed, and a peptide bond is created. Like bonds between monosaccharides through dehydration synthesis, adding water molecules breaks the bond.
Monomer of Proteins
The monomers of proteins are amino acids. There are about 20 different amino acids that occur naturally in proteins. These 20 amino acids are combined in different ways to make up the 100,000 or so different proteins in the human body.