Protein

 Most structurally & functionally diverse group of biomolecules

Proteins are large, complex molecules that play many critical roles in the
body. They do most of the work in cells and are required for the structure,
function, and regulation of the body’s tissues and organs.

Proteins are large biomolecules and macromolecules that comprise one or

more long chains of amino acid residues. Proteins perform a vast array of
functions within organisms, including catalysing metabolic reactions, DNA
replication, responding to stimuli, providing structure to cells and organisms,
and transporting molecules from one location to another. Proteins differ from
one another primarily in their sequence of amino acids, which is dictated by
the nucleotide sequence of their genes, and which usually results in protein
folding into a specific 3D structure that determines its activity.
1.The Primary structure of proteins is the exact ordering of amino acids forming
their chains.

2. Secondary structure of protein refers to local folded structures that form within a
polypeptide due to interactions between atoms of the backbone.

3. This structure arises from further folding of the secondary structure of the
protein.
H-bonds, electrostatic forces, disulphide linkages, and Vander Waals forces
stabilize this structure.
The tertiary structure of proteins represents overall folding of the polypeptide
chains, further folding of the secondary structure.
It gives rise to two major molecular shapes called fibrous and globular.

4. The spatial arrangement of various tertiary structures gives rise to the quaternary
structure. Some of the proteins are composed of two or more polypeptide chains
referred to as sub-units. The spatial arrangement of these subunits with respect to
each other is known as quaternary structure.
Enzymes: Enzymes carry out almost all of the thousands of chemical reactions that take place in
cells. They also assist with the formation of new molecules by reading the genetic information stored
in DNA. (For example: Phenylalanine hydroxylase)

Antibody: Antibodies bind to specific foreign particles, such as viruses and bacteria, to help protect
the body. ( Immunoglobulin G (lgG))

Messenger: Messenger proteins, such as some types of hormones, transmit signals to coordinate
biological processes between different cells, tissues, and organs. (For example: Growth hormone)

Structural component: These proteins provide structure and support for cells. On a larger scale, they
also allow the body to move. (Actin)
 Process of Denaturation of Proteins
Secondary, tertiary and quaternary protein structure is easily
changed by a process called denaturation. These changes can be
quite damaging.
Heating, exposure to acids or bases and even violent physical
action can cause denaturation to occur.
The albumin protein in egg white is denatured by heating so that it
forms a semisolid mass.
Heavy metal poisons such as lead and cadmium change the
structure of proteins by binding to functional groups on the protein
surface.
Denaturation of proteins can be done by bringing in physical
changes as well as the introduction of chemicals.
Most of the denaturation processes are irreversible, but it has been
seen (in very few cases) that some of the denaturation processes
can be reversed; it is then called as renaturation of protein.
Some of the common cases of denaturation of proteins are
coagulation of egg white when an egg is subjected to boiling. Here
the denaturation occurs due to change in temperature.
 Diseases caused by lack of proteins
Marasmus - Marasmus is a disease caused by a severe shortage of protein and calories
that affect babies and extremely children, typically resulting in weight loss and
dehydration. Marasmus can become hunger and cause fatality caused by a lack of
essential nutrients.

Kwashiorkor - Kwashiorkor is a disease caused by a severe deficiency of protein in diets

which contain calories mainly from carbs such as yams, rice and bananas. It typically
impacts older children. Common symptoms of both marasmus and kwashiorkor include
tiredness, irritation, diarrhea, stunted growth and problems of cognition and mental
health.

Cachexia - Cachexia is a condition that includes protein deficiency, deficiency of skeletal

muscle and an increased rate of protein deterioration. Cachexia causes weight loss and
death and is related to cancer, AIDS, chronic kidney failure, heat disease, chronic
obstructive lung disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Patients with deadly cancer of the
stomach, colon, liver, billiary tract and pancreas experience undernutrition from minimized
intake of protein, calories and micronutrients, and have fatigue and an unfavorable
nitrogen balance as a result of loss of muscle mass from cachexia.