What are proteins? They are molecules created by amino acids that are linked by a type of bond known as peptide bonds. The order and position of the amino acids depend on the genetic code of each person. They are composed of: carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen. And for the most part, they contain sulfur and phosphorus. Proteins account for approximately half the weight of body tissues, and are present in all cells of the body, in addition to participating in virtually all biological processes that occur. ☛ Functions of proteins Among all biomolecules, proteins play a fundamental role in the body. They are essential for growth, thanks to their nitrogen content, which is not present in other molecules such as fats or carbohydrates. They are also used for the synthesis and maintenance of various tissues or body components, such as gastric juices, hemoglobin, vitamins, hormones and enzymes (the latter act as biological catalysts, increasing the speed at which they are produced). chemical reactions of metabolism). They also help transport certain gases through the blood, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide, and function as buffers to maintain the acid-base balance and oncotic plasma pressure. Other more specific functions are, for example, those of antibodies, a type of proteins that act as a natural defense against possible infections or external agents; collagen, whose resistance function makes it essential in support tissues or myosin and actin, two muscle proteins that make movement possible, among many others.

Properties The two main properties of proteins, which allow their existence and the correct performance of their functions are stability and solubility. The first refers to the fact that proteins must be stable in the medium in which they are stored or in which they perform their function, so that their half-lives are as long as possible and do not generate setbacks in the organism. As regards solubility, it refers to the fact that each protein has a temperature and a pH that must be maintained in order for the bonds to be stable. Proteins also have some other secondary properties, which depend on the chemical characteristics they possess. This is the case of specificity (its structure makes each protein perform a specific and specific function different from the others and the function that other molecules can have), the buffering of pH (they can behave as acids or as basic, depending on if they lose or gain electrons, and cause the pH of a tissue or organism compound to be maintained at the appropriate levels) or the electrolytic capacity that allows them to move from the positive to the negative poles and vice versa.

What are amino acids? Amino acids are organic compounds that combine to form proteins, which are essential for our body. They are formed of carbon, oxygen, hydrogen and nitrogen. Among its functions, amino acids help break down food, growth or repair body tissues, and can also be a source of energy. Amino acids are also responsible for allowing muscle contraction or maintaining the balance of acids and bases in organisms. Besides, each of the different amino acids has an independent function.

Composition The amino acids are composed of an organic molecule with an amino group and a carboxyl group. Depending on their structure, they can be differentiated into L and D shapes. The L structures are the natural ones for organisms, and therefore, the most important ones. In general terms, therefore, an amino acid is composed of carbon, carboxyl, an amino group, a hydrogen and a side chain.