Proteins
Monomer (Building Block): Amino Acids
Elements:
- Carbon (C)
- Hydrogen (H)
- Oxygen (O)
- Nitrogen (N)
- (Some proteins also contain sulfur (S) and phosphorus (P))
Function: Proteins play a crucial role in virtually all biological processes. They are involved in:
- Catalysis (enzymes)
- Structure (such as collagen in connective tissues)
- Transport (like hemoglobin transporting oxygen in the blood)
- Defense (antibodies in the immune system)
- Signaling (hormones and receptors)
- Cellular communication and regulation
Example:
- Enzymes: Such as lactase, which helps in the digestion of lactose.
- Structural Proteins: Collagen found in connective tissues.
- Transport Proteins: Hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood.
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