Proteins: Structure and Functions

This page delves into the variety of protein shapes and functions, explaining how they arise from the sequence of amino acids.

Definition: Proteins are complex molecules with diverse functions in living organisms, including structural support, enzymatic activity, hormone signaling, immune response, and cellular reception.

The document outlines five main types of proteins and their functions:

1. Structural proteins: Provide protection and support (e.g., hair, skin, nails)
2. Hormones: Act as chemical messengers in the bloodstream
3. Antibodies: Produced by white blood cells to fight diseases
4. Receptors: Found on cell membranes for signal reception
5. Enzymes: Catalyze chemical reactions in cells

Vocabulary: SHARE - An acronym used to remember the five main types of proteins (Structural, Hormones, Antibodies, Receptors, Enzymes)

This section provides a comprehensive overview of protein diversity and their critical roles in biological systems.

Types of Enzyme Reactions

This page introduces the two main types of enzyme reactions: degradation and synthesis.

Definition: Degradation reactions involve enzymes breaking larger molecules down into smaller molecules, while synthesis reactions involve combining smaller molecules to form larger ones.

The document provides a general equation structure for both types of reactions:

Substrate + Enzyme → Product

Example: In a degradation reaction, an enzyme might break down a complex carbohydrate into simpler sugar molecules.

This section helps students understand the versatility of enzymes in both breaking down and building up molecules within cells, highlighting their crucial role in cellular metabolism.