The human body is composed of multiple types of molecules that help it function. One of the most important molecule that carries out a wide variety of tasks is protein. Proteins are one of the macromolecules formed from one or more long chains of amino acids (Whitley B. K. and Vance C. H.). They have multiple functions that have a huge impact on the human body. They help the body function as needed and make sure everything is processed well. Some of the many roles carried out by protein include digestive enzymes, chaperones that assists in folding, antibodies that help protect the immune system, transporters, supporter of structure in cytoskeleton, coordinator in hormones, and so much more. (Clark, M.A. et al 2018).
Only three of these functions will be the main focus of this paper. The following three functions will include how proteins function as chaperones, enzymes, and antibodies. Chaperoning helps the process of folding where the structure of a protein gathers into its functional shape. Enzymes help proteins break down into its original form, amino acids. And antibodies assist the immune system fight pathogens. Protein folding is a very important process in the human body.
The folding of a proteins allows the protein itself to comprehend its function in the body and what to do. The sequence of amino acids determines the final confirmation of any protein. In protein folding, polypeptides fold into a functional 3-dimensional configuration that consist of random loops. Every single protein molecule in the body is part of an amino acid (Clark, M.A. et al 2018).
In order for a protein to fold properly, chaperones aid the folding to process more easily. It allows the protein to denature to a certain point. If a protein denatures excessively, a problem will arise. In the human body, the immune system is used as the body’s main defense against most harmful organisms and any invader. As an assistance, antibodies help the immune system carry out their function more easily. Antibodies are known for their large y-shaped gamma globulin protein molecules which are made by B cells, lymphocytes.
These antibodies are produced when the body’s immune system senses any harmful microorganisms. There are multiple types of antibodies that defend the body against antigens. Occasionally, the immune system might mistake healthy and useful substances as harmful. In this case, antibodies are released into the system and try to defend the body.
When this happens, an autoimmune disorder occurs since the body isn’t’ actually being harmed. But the main job of these antibodies is to fight against infections and invader of the body. The body’s immune system that depends mainly on antibodies is called humoral immunity. (Atkins, 2018). Enzymes are protein molecules that act as a catalyst. They are crucial for bodily functions because they aid in metabolizing larger molecules into smaller ones as to allow it to be digestive more easily and used by the body.
Some of the most important enzymes include protease that break down peptide bonds in amino acids and lactase that breaks down lactose. Digestive enzymes are also an important enzyme. They are needed in the chemical process of digestion because they help break down the components of food such as fats and polysaccharides into substances that can be absorbed easily (Felicilda-Reynaldo et al 2016).
In conclusion, proteins are very vital in the human body because they carry out multiple functions that are needed. Without them, the folding of a protein wouldn’t occur, the immune system would be much weaker without the aid of antibodies, and enzymes wouldn’t break don’t large molecules into smaller ones to allow the body to absorb them. The human body also uses proteins to repair tissues. Furthermore, they are important because they help build skin, nails, bones, and muscles (Clark, M.A. et al 2018). Proteins are necessary in the body and couldn’t function as wholesome without them.
