The structural formulae of amino acids obtained from the hydrolysis of proteins can be identified from the 11 structure of a section of the protein. Function of proteins Proteins are large, important and complex molecules found in our bodies where they are involved in most reactions in cells. Each protein within the body has a specific function. The main functions of proteins in the body are structural, maintenance and regulation of life processes. This is summarised in the table below. Nature Protein type Examples Function of protein Structural Fibrous Keratin Protection of hair protein Support for Structural Fibrous Collagen and elastin tendons and protein ligaments Contractile Movement of Fibrous Actin and myosin protein muscles Protein Globular Insulin Glucose regulation hormones Digestion of Enzymes Globular Amylase carbohydrates Transport Oxygen transport Globular Haemoglobin protein in the blood
11 The structural formulae of amino acids obtained from the hydrolysis of proteins can be identified from the structure of a section of the protein. Function of proteins Proteins are large, important and complex molecules found in our bodies where they are involved in most reactions in cells. Each protein within the body has a specific function. The main functions of proteins in the body are structural, maintenance and regulation of life processes. This is summarised in the table below. Protein type Nature of protein Examples Function Structural protein Fibrous Keratin Protection of hair Structural protein Fibrous Collagen and elastin Support for tendons and ligaments Contractile protein Fibrous Actin and myosin Movement of muscles Protein hormones Globular Insulin Glucose regulation Enzymes Globular Amylase Digestion of carbohydrates Transport protein Globular Haemoglobin Oxygen transport in the blood