Proteins
- The variety of protein shapes and functions arises from the sequence of amino acids.
- Proteins have many functions such as
- structural
- enzymes
- hormones
- antibodies
- receptors
|
Protein |
Function |
|
Structural |
Forms supporting frameworks inside cells and forms body structures |
|
Enzymes |
Catalyse biological reactions |
|
Hormones |
Chemical messengers that allow communication between different parts of the body. |
|
Antibodies |
Part of the immune system, defends the body against pathogens |
|
Receptors |
Found of cell membranes they bind to specific proteins such as enzymes or hormones |
Enzymes
- Enzymes function as biological catalysts and are made by all living cells.
- They speed up cellular reactions and are unchanged in the process.
- The shape of the active site of an enzyme molecule is complementary to its specific substrate(s).
- An enzyme-substrate complex forms, facilitating the reaction.
- Enzyme action results in product(s).
- Enzymes can be involved in degradation and synthesis reactions.
- Degradation reactions break down larger molecules into smaller ones.
- Synthesis reactions build up smaller molecules into larger ones.
- Each enzyme is most active in its optimum conditions.
- Enzymes, and other proteins, can be affected by temperature and pH.
- Enzymes can be denatured, resulting in a change in their shape which will affect the rate of reaction.
Topic Summary
