Why are proteins important to the structure and function of the body?
Answer (1)
Proteins are among the most important molecules in the human body. They are made of long chains of amino acids, which are linked together by peptide bonds. The way these chains fold and connect determines what kind of protein is made and what function it will have.Proteins have many roles in the body. Some proteins are structural, like collagen in skin and keratin in hair and nails. Others are enzymes that speed up chemical reactions inside cells. Still others are transport proteins, like hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood. Proteins can also be hormones (like insulin), antibodies (for immune defense), or receptors that receive messages between cells.The sequence and type of amino acids in a protein decide its final shape and job. Even one wrong amino acid can change the protein’s function and lead to diseases. For example, in sickle cell anemia, one incorrect amino acid changes the shape of hemoglobin and causes serious health problems.In anatomy and physiology, understanding proteins helps us see how the body works at the microscopic level. Whether it's muscle movement, cell communication, or digestion, proteins are involved in almost every biological process. That’s why proteins are often called the “workhorses” of the cell—they are everywhere and do almost everything.
