•Proteins are the building blocks of life. Every cell in the human body contains protein.

The basic
structure of protein is a chain of amino acids. You need protein in your diet to help your body repair cells
and make new ones. Protein is also important for growth and development in children, teens, and
pregnant women.

•A gene is the basic physical and functional unit of heredity. Genes are made up of DNA. Some genes act
as instructions to make molecules called proteins.

• Deoxyribonucleic acid (abbreviated DNA) is the molecule that carries genetic information for the
development and functioning of an organism. DNA is made of two linked strands that wind around each
other to resemble a twisted ladder - a shape known as a double helix.

• Ribonucleic acid (abbreviated RNA) is a nucleic acid present in all living cells that has structural
similarities to DNA. Unlike DNA, however, RNA is most often single- stranded. An RNA molecule has a
backbone made of alternating phosphate groups and the sugar ribose, rather than the deoxyribose
found in DNA.

Yes, you got them right! Our hair, skin and nails are made up of proteins.

What are proteins? They are composed of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds.

What are the roles and functions of proteins?

channels in membranes - control the movement of molecules in and out of the cell

structural molecules - for example, making up hair or muscle in animals

hormones - to regulate the activity of cells

antibodies - in the immune system

enzymes - to act as catalysts in biological systems.

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid) work together to produce proteins from genetic
codes. Genetic codes are found in DNA or RNA which is made up of nucleotide bases usually in three's
(triplet) that code for the amino acids making up the proteins.