Protein

Protein

1. protein is a Prime nutrient

2. Functions

   • Growth repair and maintenance
     • Formation of enzymes
       • Production of hormones
         • Immunity
           • Transport
             • Blood clotting
               • Energy
                 • Hair, nails and bones
                   • Protein forms the main components of the hair and nails as well as the structural framework of the bones
                 • A secondary role of protein serves as a source of energy when the body has insufficient carbohydrate and fat stores.
               • Proteins found in plasma help with blood clotting
             • Substances are carried around the body from the digestive system or sites of action Eg) haemoglobin is a transporting protein
           • Making you less susceptible to disease
         • EG Vasopressin- controls blood pressure Insulin- controls blood glucose levels
       • Protein facilitates most chemical reactions EG digestion of nutrients
     • Protein forms protoplasm's which increase in number during rapid growth. The proteins in tissue must be replaced from indispensable amino acids.

3. Amino Acids

   • Dispensible
     • Non-essential: Made by the body through transamination, where the body cells convert one amino acid into another
   • Indispensable
     • Essential: Must be supplied by the diet. Children need 9 (as they are essential for growth and repair) and Adults need 8 (for repair and maintenance)

4. complementation

   • When mixtures of LBV proteins are taken together to supply the full range of amino acids needed by humans, becoming a HBV protein.

5. Biological Value

   • The biological value (BV) is a scale used to determine what percentage of a given nutrient is utilized by the body.
   • BV refers to how quickly your body can use the protein you consume.
   • It is derived by measuring the intake of protein and then determining the nitrogen uptake verses nitrogen excretion.

6. The Nitrogen balance

   • It is the overall indicator of protein metabolism in the body ( which is the difference between intake and total output)
   • A positive balance indicates protein is being retained by the body , indicating tissue synthesis. A negative balance occurs when there is a net loss of protein (indicating the body protein is being depleted. caused by major injury or illness.)

7. Protein quality

   • protein content
     • Number of essential amino acids
       • degree to which its protein is digested and absorbed

8. Deficiency

   • Kwashiorkor- the enlargement of the liver

9. protein provides energy 1g=17kj (4kcal)

10. 5. denitrifying bacteria in the soil break down nitrates and release the nitrogen into the air

    • 4. Urea and other egested material is broken down by decomposers, which returns nitrogen to the soil.
      • 3. The plant is eaten by an animal and its biomass used to produce animal protein
        • 2. Plants absorb nitrates from soil through the root nodules and use these to build up protein.
          • 1. nitrogen gas/ ammonia is converted into nitrates by bacteria in the soil.
            • The Nitrogen cycle

Images and files in the map