What are the different types of protein? Find out some here including their function and sources.
TYPES OF PROTEIN – Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and these are the various types and functions of protein that you should know.
One of the most abundant organic molecules in living systems is protein. They come in every size, shape, and type you can imagine and each has one specific job or function. When it comes to protein sources, animal products such as chicken, beef, fish, and others contain high-quality protein.
When it comes to fruits, some of them that are abundant include guava, avocado, kiwi, banana, grapefruit, oranges, berries, and cherries.
There’s also a recommended amount of this nutrient that must be taken daily according to age group. See below!
- Children under 4: 13 grams
- Children age 4 to 8: 19 grams
- Children age 9 to 13: 34 grams
- Women and girls ages 14 and over: 46 grams
- Boys age 14 to 18: 52 grams
- Men ages 19 and over: 56 grams
Now, when it comes to the types of protein, there are several. These are the various types and the function of each:
- Antibodies – The type that protects the bodies from invaders like bacteria and viruses.
- Contractile Proteins – This is the type that is responsible for the contraction and movement of muscles.
- Enzymes – The catalysts of all metabolic reactions. Life without this would be impossible.
- Hormonal Proteins – They serve as the messenger for bodily functions to take place. They have control over specific physiological processes like growth, development, metabolism, and reproduction.
- Structural Proteins – The common example of this is collagen. It helps maintain and protect the structure of the animal body.
- Storage Proteins – They store amino acids for the body until ready for use.
- Transport Proteins – They move molecules from one place to another in the body. They are also called carrier proteins.
Here’s a summary of this from a post from Khan Academy:
| Role | Examples | Functions |
| Digestive enzyme | Amylase, lipase, pepsin | Break down nutrients in food into small pieces that can be readily absorbed |
| Transport | Hemoglobin | Carry substances throughout the body in blood or lymph |
| Structure | Actin, tubulin, keratin | Build different structures, like the cytoskeleton |
| Hormone signaling | Insulin, glucagon | Coordinate the activity of different body systems |
| Defense | Antibodies | Protect the body from foreign pathogens |
| Contraction | Myosin | Carry out muscle contraction |
| Storage | Legume storage proteins, egg white (albumin) | Provide food for the early development of the embryo or the seedling |
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