9 Uses of Protein in the Body

Biology Fall 2022

Assignment 10

Name: ____________________________ Block:_______

Date:___________
Go to the following site to complete the questions below:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/functions-of-protein#TOC_TITLE_HDR_9
If you are unable to access it, google “healthline 9 uses of protein in the body”

1. Growth and development

a. Our protein requirements are higher in growth, and maintenance of tissues.
2. Causes biochemical reactions
b. Enzymes are proteins that allow thousands of biochemical reactions that
take place within and outside of your cells
c. Enzymes are needed for what functions? (List at least 4)
Digestion
Energy production
Blood clotting
Muscle contraction
3. Acts as a messenger
d. Some proteins are hormones. These are chemical messengers that aid
communication between your cells, tissues and organs

e. Give 3 examples of hormones and tell what each does.

 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.

4. Provides structure
Some proteins are strong fibers that provide support and stiffness to tissues.
f. Keratin is found in your skin, hair and nails.

Collagen is found in your bones, tendons, ligaments and skin

Elastin is found in your uterus, lungs and arteries

5. Maintains proper pH
The pH tells you how acidic or basic a substance is. pH ranges from 0 – 14,
with 0 being the most acidic, 14 being the most basic. 7 is neutral.
g. What is the pH of the following? Is it acidic, basic or neutral?
Stomach acid:pH 2
Tomato juice:pH 4
Black coffee:pH 5
Human blood:pH 7.4
Soapy water:pH !2

6. Balances fluid
 h. Albumen 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 are needed to make antibodies to fight infections.
When bacteria and viruses enter your body, your body makes antibodies.
i. Without antibodies, bacteria and viruses would be free to be free to
multiply and overwhelm your body with the disease they cause.
j. Once your body makes antibodies against a particular bacteria or virus, your
cells never forget how to make them. In this way, your body develops
immunity against the diseases to which it is exposed

8. Transports and stores nutrients

k. Transport proteins carry substances through your bloodstream to cells, out
of cells or within cells. Substances carried by these proteins include nutrients
like vitamins or minerals, blood sugar, cholesterol and oxygen
l. Two examples of storage proteins are Ferritin and Casein

9. Provides energy
m. Proteins can supply your body with energy. Normally your body uses fats
(lipids) and carbs (carbohydrates) for energy. However, in a state of fasting
(18–48 hours of no food intake), your body breaks down skeletal muscle so
that the amino acids for energy.