Physiology - Types of Proteins

Mrs. Hartman 9/22/24

Enzymes

They build and break down molecules. They are critical for growth, digestion, and many other processes in the cell. Without them, chemical reactions would happen too slowly to sustain life.

Lactase, luciferase, and DNA polymerase

examples of enzymes

Structural Proteins

These proteins strengthen cells, tissues, organs, and more. Nature can build materials that are very strong.

MaSp (major ampullate spidroin protein), collagen, tubulin, fibroin

examples of structural proteins

Signaling Proteins

These proteins allow cells to communicate with each other. Signals, receptors, and relay proteins work together to get information from the outside of a cell to the inside.

insulin, EGF (epidermal growth factor)

examples of signaling proteins

Regulatory Proteins

These proteins bind DNA to turn genes on and off. Active genes are used to build proteins.

p53 protein, HOX protein, androgen/estrogen

examples of regulatory proteins

Transport Proteins

These proteins move molecules and nutrients around the body and in and out of cells.

hemoglobin, cytochrome C proteins

examples of transport proteins

Sensory Proteins

These proteins help us learn about our environment. They help us detect light, sound, touch, smell, taste, pain, and heat. Some organisms can even detect electricity or magnetism.

oposins (in the eye), olfactory receptors, cryptochrome, TRPA1 protein

examples of sensory proteins

Motor Proteins

These proteins keep cells moving and changing shape. They also transport components around inside cells.

myosin motors, dynein and kinesin

examples of motor proteins

Defense Proteins

These proteins help organisms fight infection, heal damaged tissue, and evade predators.

antibodies, fibrin proteins, TD (threonine deaminase)

examples of defense proteins

Storage Proteins

These proteins store nutrients and energy-rich molecules for later use.

casein, ovalbumin, gluten

examples of storage proteins