Protein: what is and what is needed for the body?

Few people think about every day about what to eat and how to optimally build your diet. Unfortunately, only people who have serious health problems think about nutrition most of all. Everyone knows that the diet should be protein. What is this substance?

Uneven properties

Proteins (proteins) are giant macromolecules of life, which can consist of many chains. The smallest blocks from which these majestic buildings are built are amino acids. As a result, it turns out that, according to the emergence rule, whole molecules acquire very complex properties that are irreducible to the properties of amino acids. The number of functions performed by proteins in the human body is not quantifiable, although groups of functions still distinguish.

And if you make a mistake?

So, the protein? What is it and how does one type differ from another? The proteins differ in the number and sequence of amino acids. And one small shift - and protein molecules can no longer perform their functions. Sometimes an error creeps into the genetic code , and by the encoding property, the amino acids are replaced by incorrect ones - serious diseases like myasthenia gravis or sickle cell anemia occur . Very important for the body protein. What are the genetic disorders associated with its structure? These are inevitable and serious diseases at the level of the whole organism.

The mechanism of catalysis

Biological macromolecules of proteins are especially important for humans because of their catalytic activity. Most of the processes in our body can not occur without this activity, because these reactions are unable to start spontaneously due to energy reasons. Why is protein important? What does he represent in relation to catalysis? Perhaps you will find more familiar concept-synonym "enzyme". It binds to the reaction components with active points, allowing the reaction to begin, and then safely "releases" the substance. Thus, it facilitates the onset of the reaction, but it is not consumed in it, just like any other catalyst.

Basis of movement

The structural function is very important. Proteins are almost pure in the muscles. The meat that many people eat to get proteins is the muscles of animals. Although the best proteins are crushed (as in protein cocktails). Meat is also well absorbed. Worse is the situation with this in soy products and beans. There is a lot of protein, but to extract it from the product turns out to be difficult for the body.

At the microscopic level

Proteins form the basis of the cell, called the cytoskeleton, which gives shape. Still more important is the participation of protein in the transport of most substances that are unable to pass through the cell membrane on their own. At the cell level, the already mentioned catalytic activity is realized.

What are the best proteins to eat? Traditionally, animals are considered important, but they can be replaced with soybeans, if this plant has been previously sufficiently well-treated. For example, protein shakes from soy contain a high-grade protein and are absorbed better than muscle meat. Why is vegetable protein better for health? It is not associated with a huge amount of fat and does not contribute to the production of cholesterol.