Nutrition Article Review - Research Paper Example

Article Review The article by Bailey deals about protein function in general. In this article, the mentions that proteins are important molecules in our cells and that they have important roles to play in most of the functions of the cells. Each protein the our body has a specific function like structural support, bodily movement and defense against germs. Proteins vary in their structure and also functions. The author describes specific functions of proteins. Proteins that are specialized in defending the body from antigens are known as antibodies.

Those responsible for movement are known as contractile protein and examples of these are actin and myosin. Those proteins that are involved in the facilitation of biochemical reactions are enzymes and they are referred to as catalysts because they help in speeding up reactions. Examples of such enzymes include pepsin and lactase. While pepsin is a digestive enzyme and helps in the breakdown of protein, lactase breaks down lactose found in the milk. Messenger proteins that help in he coordination of bodily functions are known as hormones.

Examples of hormones are oxytocin, insulin and somatotropin. While insulin regulates the metabolism of glucose and controls the concentration of glucose in the blood, oxytocin causes contraction of the uterus in women during childbirth. On the other hand, somatotropin stimulates the production of protein in the muscle cells. Storage proteins are those which store aminoacids and examples of those are casein and ovalbumin. Transport proteins carry molecules from one place to another and examples of these are cytochromes and hemoglobin.

Thus, this article provides an overview of the functions of proteins in our body. The presentation of this article is clear and easy understandable. Reference Bailey, R. (2010). Ptrotein Function. About.com. Biology. Retrieved on 19th February, 2010 from http://biology.about.com/od/molecularbiology/a/aa101904a.htm