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Introduction to Amino Acids, Proteins, and Enzymes

• Proteins are important molecules (biomolecules) made from smaller units called amino acids, which are linked together by amide bonds.

Role of Proteins in the Human Body

• Proteins make up about $50\%$ of your body's dry weight.

• They have many important jobs, such as:

  • Building and holding your body together (structural components).

  • Speeding up chemical reactions (enzymatic activity).

  • Moving substances around your body (transport functions).

• Unlike fats (lipids) and sugars (carbohydrates), your body doesn't store proteins. So, you need to eat them daily.

• Current recommended daily intake:

  • For adults, it's about $0.8$ grams of protein for every $1$ kilogram ($kg$) of their body weight daily. Children need higher amounts.

• Good sources of protein include meat, fish, beans, and nuts.

Types and Functions of Proteins in the Human Body

• Hemoglobin:

  • This is a transport protein responsible for carrying oxygen ($O_2$) in your blood.

• Collagen:

  • This is a fibrous protein that provides structural support and strength to tissues like skin, bones, tendons, and cartilage. It's the most abundant protein in mammals.