Proteins

Properties

Large, three dimensional molecules that do most of the work in a cell and can also provide structure, function and regulation of the body's tissues and organs. Their structure is determined by the genetic code; our DNA.

Elements

C H O N, and sometimes S

Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, and sometimes Sulfur

Monomers

(can you find all the elements in the diagram at right?)

Proteins are made up of hundreds or thousands of smaller units called amino acids, which are attached to one another in long chains.

Amino acids: Include a amino group and carboxyl group, and one of 20 different R-groups or side-chains. The amino acids are held together by strong covalent bonds between the amino and carboxyl groups called peptide bonds.

The 20 different R-groups shown below each have their own special properties which will determine the shape and structure of the whole protein.

Types

Proteins have a variety of different functions. Some make up the structure of our bodies such as in muscle proteins. Enzymes are like the chemistry labs of the body, allowing reactions to happen without harming us.

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