Functions of proteins in our bodies
1. Growth and MaintenanceYour body needs protein for growth and maintenance of tissues.
Yet, your body’s proteins are in a constant state of turnover.
Under normal circumstances, your body breaks down the same amount of protein that it uses to build and repair tissues. Other times, it breaks down more protein than it can create, thus increasing your body’s needs.
2. Causes Biochemical Reactions
Enzymes are proteins that aid the thousands of biochemical reactions that take place within and outside of your cells.
The structure of enzymes allows them to combine with other molecules inside the cell called substrates, which catalyze reactions that are essential to your metabolism.
3. Acts as a Messenger
Some proteins are hormones, which are chemical messengers that aid communication between your cells, tissues and organs.
They’re made and secreted by endocrine tissues or glands and then transported in your blood to their target tissues or organs where they bind to protein receptors on the cell surface.
Hormones can be grouped into three main categories :
Protein and peptides: These are made from chains of amino acids, ranging from a few to several hundred.
Steroids: These are made from the fat cholesterol. The sex hormones, testosterone and estrogen, are steroid-based.
Amines: These are made from the individual amino acids tryptophan or tyrosine, which help make hormones related to sleep and metabolism.
Insulin: Signals the uptake of glucose or sugar into the cell.
Glucagon: Signals the breakdown of stored glucose in the liver.
hGH (human growth hormone): Stimulates the growth of various tissues, including bone.
ADH (antidiuretic hormone): Signals the kidneys to reabsorb water.
ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone): Stimulates the release of cortisol, a key factor in metabolism4. Provides Structure
Some proteins are fibrous and provide cells and tissues with stiffness and rigidity.
These proteins include keratin, collagen and elastin, which help form the connective framework of certain structures in your body (13Trusted Source).
Keratin is a structural protein that is found in your skin, hair and nails.
5. Maintains Proper pH
Protein plays a vital role in regulating the concentrations of acids and bases in your blood and other bodily fluids.
The balance between acids and bases is measured using the pH scale. It ranges from 0 to 14, with 0 being the most acidic, 7 neutral and 14 the most alkaline.
6. Balances Fluids
Proteins regulate body processes to maintain fluid balance.
Albumin and globulin are proteins in your blood that help maintain your body’s fluid balance by attracting and retaining water
7. Bolsters Immune Health
Proteins help form immunoglobulins, or antibodies, to fight infection
Antibodies are proteins in your blood that help protect your body from harmful invaders like bacteria and viruses.
8. Transports and Stores Nutrients
Transport proteins carry substances throughout your bloodstream — into cells, out of cells or within cells.
9. Provides Energy
Proteins can supply your body with energy.
Protein contains four calories per gram, the same amount of energy that carbs provide. Fats supply the most energy, at nine calories per gram.
