Protein
Science: KS3, topic 1.4.4
Protein
Protein is an important part of a healthy balanced diet. Protein is needed for the growth and repair of body cells.
Function
- Protein is needed for the growth and repair of body cells.
- Proteins are needed to create and produce hormones and enzymes.
Amino acids
- Amino acids are monomers.
- Monomers are the building blocks of proteins.
- When monomers bind together, they form polymers.
- Polymers are proteins.
- There are 20 amino acids that make up proteins.
- Not all amino acids can be made in the body.
- Some amino acids must come from eating foods.
Protein-rich diet
- Certain foods contain high levels of protein. These include:
- Eggs
- Chicken
- Milk
- Quinoa
- Lentils
- Almonds
- Peanuts
Test yourself on Protein
How many amino acids are there?
A person stops eating protein-rich foods for several weeks. Since some amino acids cannot be made in the body, what is most likely to happen?