Protein Research Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Protein Research - Essay Example they protect the body against bacteria and viruses by immobilizing antibodies that are immediately destroyed by the white blood cells(Whitford, 2005). Contractile proteins such as actin and myosin are responsible for the movement of the body cells through muscle contraction and movement. Enzymes are another category of proteins, and they are responsible for the facilitation of biochemical reactions whereby they speed up the reactions. Proteins of this kind are mainly involved in the digestive system, e.g., the lactase for sugar breakdown and the pepsin for protein breakdown. Another category of proteins is the hormonal proteins which are messenger proteins that help in the coordination of bodily activities(Creighton, 2010). The most common hormonal protein is insulin that controls the blood sugar levels in the body(Creighton, 2010). Other hormonal proteins are oxytocin and somatotropin which stimulate childbirth and protein production in muscle cells respectively. Structural proteins are fibrous and stingy in nature, and they play the role of provision of support to the body cells. An example of structural proteins is the keratins that give strength to protective covering such as hair. Proteins involved in the storage of amino acids such as ovalbumin and casein are categorized as storage proteins(Whitford, 2005). Some proteins such as the hemoglobin and the cytochromes are involved in transportation of molecules around the body, and they fall in the category of transport protein. Proteins are formed by combination of organic compounds called amino acids and they are the building blocks of life. Whereas proteins are digested, amino acids left and the body utilizes them to break down food, grow, produce energy and repair body tissues. Amino acids are classified into three groups namely the essential amino acids, non-essential amino acids and conditional amino acids(Creighton, 2010). The body contains nine essential amino acids, and they are unique since the body