© MPI – Maria Paola Ippolito-All rights reserved
,© MPI – Maria Paola Ippolito-All rights reserved
Proteins are polymers of amino acids. From a nutritional standpoint, they are primarily
found in animal products, but they are also present in legumes and, to a lesser extent,
in cereals.
, Type Function Examples and Notes
Amylase, Pepsin, Lipase - They speed up
Digestive Enzymes Catabolism (breakdown of nutrients)
reactions by lowering activation energy.
Transport of substances in the blood or
Transport Hemoglobin, Albumin, Ion Channels.
across membranes
Actin and Tubulin (cytoskeleton), Keratin
Support and construction of cellular and
Structural (hair/nails), Collagen (connective
systemic structures
tissues).
Chemical messengers to coordinate body
Hormonal Insulin (regulates glucose), Oxytocin.
© MPI – Maria Paola Ippolito-All rights reserved
activities
Protection of the organism from external Antibodies (Immunoglobulins) - Specific
Defense
pathogens proteins that recognize antigens.
Responsible for movement and muscle Actin and Myosin - They allow muscle
Contractile
contraction fibers to slide.
Provide nourishment or store
Storage Ferritin (iron storage), Casein (milk).
ions/molecules
Control of gene expression and cell
Regulatory Transcription factors.
signaling
They perform multiple functions (e.g., structural, protective, immune, etc.); each of
them has a specific shape that is essential for the task it must perform. Enzymes are an
important class of proteins.
,© MPI – Maria Paola Ippolito-All rights reserved
Proteins are polymers of amino acids. From a nutritional standpoint, they are primarily
found in animal products, but they are also present in legumes and, to a lesser extent,
in cereals.
, Type Function Examples and Notes
Amylase, Pepsin, Lipase - They speed up
Digestive Enzymes Catabolism (breakdown of nutrients)
reactions by lowering activation energy.
Transport of substances in the blood or
Transport Hemoglobin, Albumin, Ion Channels.
across membranes
Actin and Tubulin (cytoskeleton), Keratin
Support and construction of cellular and
Structural (hair/nails), Collagen (connective
systemic structures
tissues).
Chemical messengers to coordinate body
Hormonal Insulin (regulates glucose), Oxytocin.
© MPI – Maria Paola Ippolito-All rights reserved
activities
Protection of the organism from external Antibodies (Immunoglobulins) - Specific
Defense
pathogens proteins that recognize antigens.
Responsible for movement and muscle Actin and Myosin - They allow muscle
Contractile
contraction fibers to slide.
Provide nourishment or store
Storage Ferritin (iron storage), Casein (milk).
ions/molecules
Control of gene expression and cell
Regulatory Transcription factors.
signaling
They perform multiple functions (e.g., structural, protective, immune, etc.); each of
them has a specific shape that is essential for the task it must perform. Enzymes are an
important class of proteins.
