Uses of Protein
• Structural – the most well known and bodybuilding related fate of dietary protein is incorporation into muscle tissue. A diet rich in protein (balanced by adequate amounts of carbohydrate, fat and micronutrients) combined with weight training can result in hypertrophy.
Other common structural proteins are: collagen, responsible for giving skin its structure and elasticity and keratin, present in hair and nails.
• Enzymes – these are long molecules of protein twisted into characteristic globules, each one specific to the action of the individual enzyme. Enzymes are responsible for speeding up (catalysing) metabolic reactions. For example, amylase is an enzyme that facilitates the digestion of starch into smaller molecules in the mouth and in the upper intestine.
• Oxygen transport molecules – these have a similar structure to enzymes and facilitate the carriage of oxygen around the body in the bloodstream (haemoglobin) or in the muscles (myoglobin).
• Hormones – some hormones, such as growth hormone, insulin and glucagon are peptides. These play a key role in anabolism and fasting.
• Immune system – some immune systems factors are made up of proteins.
Further Articles
Below are related articles that may be of interest to you. To view one simply click the link below and the article will be displayed.
