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Examples of protein

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Answered by GPT-4o mini
Proteins are essential macromolecules made up of amino acids, and they play critical roles in biological processes. Here are some examples of proteins, categorized based on their functions:

### 1. **Structural Proteins**
- **Collagen**: Provides structural support in connective tissues, skin, and bones.
- **Keratin**: Found in hair, nails, and the outer layer of skin; provides protection and strength.

### 2. **Enzymes**
- **Amylase**: Catalyzes the breakdown of starch into sugars in saliva and the pancreas.
- **Lipase**: Breaks down fats into fatty acids and glycerol in the digestive system.
- **DNA polymerase**: Involved in DNA replication.

### 3. **Transport Proteins**
- **Hemoglobin**: Transports oxygen in red blood cells.
- **Albumin**: Carries various substances in the blood, including hormones and drugs.

### 4. **Hormonal Proteins**
- **Insulin**: Regulates blood glucose levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose by cells.
- **Growth hormone**: Stimulates growth and cell reproduction.

### 5. **Antibodies**
- **Immunoglobulins**: Part of the immune system; recognize and neutralize foreign objects like bacteria and viruses.

### 6. **Contractile Proteins**
- **Actin**: Involved in muscle contraction and cell motility.
- **Myosin**: Works with actin to enable muscle contraction.

### 7. **Receptor Proteins**
- **Neurotransmitter receptors**: Such as the serotonin receptor, which transmits signals in the nervous system.
- **Hormone receptors**: Such as insulin receptors on cell membranes.

### 8. **Storage Proteins**
- **Ferritin**: Stores iron in the body.
- **Casein**: A milk protein that serves as a source of amino acids and calcium.

### 9. **Defense Proteins**
- **Cytokines**: Signaling proteins involved in the immune response.
- **Defensins**: Small peptides that have antimicrobial properties.

These examples illustrate the diversity of proteins and their functions within living organisms.

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