7 types of protein in the body and their functions you need to know

Proteins are complex molecules that help the body perform its functions optimally. Protein can be found in several types of foods such as beef, chicken, nuts, eggs, fish and shrimp. Well, protein will first be broken down in the body into its smallest structure, namely amino acids, then it can be absorbed by the body. Each type of protein in the body turns out to provide certain functions, you know. Do you already know what types of protein are in the body? Check out the reviews below.

1. Hormone protein

One type of protein is that which functions as the basic chemical that forms hormones. This hormone acts as a chemical messenger that delivers messages through the bloodstream. Each of these hormones will affect one specific cell in the body known as target cells.

For example, an organ called the pancreas produces the hormone insulin. This hormone insulin is produced in response to blood sugar levels (for example, after eating). The hormone insulin will be released by the pancreas specifically to bind sugar in the blood to its target cells. So that the blood does not accumulate sugar.

2. Protein enzymes

Other types of protein in the body are responsible for building enzymes. Enzymes function to support chemical reactions in the body.

For example, in the body all sources of nutrients ranging from carbohydrates, proteins and fats must be converted into simpler forms in order to be absorbed. Now, to change all that requires several complex chemical reactions in the body. These chemical reactions will run smoothly if there are enzymes in the body.

3. Structural protein

The largest type of protein is structural protein. Structural protein serves as an important component that builds up the body's construction from the cellular level.

The most common examples of structural proteins are collagen and keratin. Keratin type protein is a strong and fibrous protein that can form the structure of the skin, nails, hair, and teeth. Meanwhile, structural protein in the form of collagen functions as a builder for tendons, bones, muscles, cartilage, and also skin.

4. Antibody protein

Defensive protein is a protein that functions to protect the body from foreign substances or foreign organisms entering the body. Protein acts as an antibody-forming component in the body.

With the fulfillment of protein needs, the formation of antibodies will also be more optimal and will be more protective. So, the body can defend itself from disease.

5. Transport protein

Protein in the body also functions as an introduction to molecules and nutrients in the body into and out of cells. An example is hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the protein that makes up red blood cells.

Hemoglobin will bind oxygen and deliver it to the tissues that need oxygen from the lungs. Another example of a transport protein is serum albumin, which is responsible for delivering fat to the bloodstream.

6. Protein binding

Binding proteins have a function to bind nutrients and molecules for later use. An example is an iron fastener. The body stores iron in the body with ferritin. Ferritin is a protein that binds iron. When later iron is needed again to form red blood cells, the iron in ferritin will be released.

7. Protein activator

The propulsion protein regulates the strength and speed at which the heart moves, and so does the muscles when they contract. When the body moves, there will be muscle contraction, during this contraction the role of the driving protein is needed.

For example, if you bend your leg, this will involve your muscle fibers moving. When these muscle fibers move, they actually occur very fast chemical reactions.

The body converts ATP or a form of chemical energy that becomes used in the body to produce mechanical changes. The process of converting this chemical energy into this mechanical change involves activating proteins namely actin and myosin in muscle fibers. The mechanical change is the position of your leg that eventually changes to bending from what was previously straight.