SCITAMA
PROTEINS AND THEIR FUNCTIONS
GENERAL
Hormonal
Hormones are protein-based chemicals
secreted by the cells of the endocrine
glands. Usually transported through the
blood, hormones act as chemical
messengers that transmit signals from
one cell to another. Each hormone
affects certain cells in your body, known
as target cells. Such cells have specific
receptors on which the hormone
attaches itself to transmit the signals. An
example of a hormonal protein is insulin,
which is secreted by the pancreas to
regulate the levels of blood sugar in your
body.
Enzymatic
Enzymatic proteins accelerate metabolic
processes in your cells, including liver
functions, stomach digestion, blood
clotting and converting glycogen to
glucose. An example is digestive
enzymes that break down food into
simpler forms that your body can easily
absorb.
Structural
Also known as fibrous proteins,
structural proteins are necessary
components of your body. They include
collagen, keratin and elastin. Collagen
forms the connective framework of your
muscles, bones, tendons, skin and
cartilage. Keratin is the main structural
component in hair, nails, teeth and skin.
Defensive
Antibodies, or immunoglobulin, are a
core part of your immune system,
keeping diseases at bay. Antibodies are
formed in the white blood cells and
attack bacteria, viruses and other
harmful microorganisms, rendering
them inactive.
Storage
Storage proteins mainly store mineral
ions such as potassium in your body.
Iron, for example, is an ion required for
the formation of hemoglobin, the main
structural component of red blood cells.
Ferritin -- a storage protein -- regulates
and guards against the adverse effects of
excess iron in your body. Ovalbumin
and casein are storage proteins found in
breast milk and egg whites, respectively,
that play a huge role in embryonic
development.
Transport
Transport proteins carry vital materials
to the cells. Hemoglobin, for example,
carries oxygen to body tissues from the
lungs. Serum albumin carries fats in
your bloodstream, while myoglobin
absorbs oxygen from hemoglobin and
then releases it to the muscles.
Calbindin is another transport protein
that facilitates the absorption of calcium
from the intestinal walls.
Receptor
Located on the outer part of the cells,
receptor proteins control the substances
that enter and leave the cells, including
water and nutrients. Some receptors
activate enzymes, while others stimulate
endocrine glands to secrete epinephrine
and insulin to regulate blood sugar
levels.
Contractile
Also known as motor proteins,
contractile proteins regulate the
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 SCITAMA
strength and speed of heart and muscle Proteins Help protect against disease
contractions. These proteins are actin (globular proteins)
and myosin. Contractile proteins can
cause heart complications if they Hemoglobin
produce severe contractions.
Transports oxygen (globular proteins)
SPECIFIC
Lipoproteins
Collagen
Transports lipids and cholesterol
Strengthens bones, ligaments, and (globular proteins)
tendons (a fibrous protein)
Albumins
Elastin
Help regulate blood pH (globular
Provides stretch in skin, blood vessels, proteins)
and lung tissue (a fibrous protein)
Membrane Proteins
Keratin
Transports substances into and out of
Forms structure of hair and nails and cells (globular proteins)
water proofs the skin (a fibrous protein)
Hormones (insulin)
Dystrophin
Helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Reinforces parts of muscle cells (a (globular proteins)
fibrous protein)
Sources:
Fibrin
http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/eight-
Forms blood clots (a fibrous protein) types-protein-function-4559.html
https://quizlet.com/13072741/proteins-
Actin and Myosin and-their-functions-principles-of-ap-
chapter-2-section-5-tortora-derrickson-
Are involved in contraction of muscle edition-13-flash-cards/
cells, division in all cells, and transport
of substances within cells (a fibrous
protein)

Enzymes

Function as catalysts (globular proteins)

Catalyst

A substance that increases the rate of a

chemical reaction without itself
undergoing any permanent chemical
change

Antibodies and Complement

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