What are the functions of each type of protein?
Posted July 25, 2024
Answer
There are 8 protein groups, categorized by their functions:
- Structural proteins such as collagen and keratin form the components of connective tissues, bones, tendons, and more.
- Enzymes such as lipase and DNA polymerase, are proteins that act as biological catalysts to speed up metabolic reactions.
- Hormones are proteins that regulate physiological processes such as growth and reproduction. Cortisol, growth hormone, thyroid hormone, and progesterone are just some of many hormones in the body.
- Motor proteins such as myosin, actin, and kinesin play a role in muscle contraction and movement.
- Transport proteins are involved in transporting molecules. Channel proteins transport molecules across the cell membrane while hemoglobin and serum albumin transport molecules through blood.
- Storage proteins such as ferritin and ovalbumin act as storage reserves of amino acids and metal ions in cells.
- Respiratory pigments are water-soluble proteins such as hemoglobin, which transfers blood to all tissues and organs, and myoglobin, which provide oxygen to working muscles.
- Toxins such as diphtheria toxin are proteins produced by bacteria to create cytotoxicity.
Additional resources
Raman Imaging of Small Biomolecules