Equine Physiology Workbook

3. Proteins

Proteins make up 12-18% of the body and consist primarily of Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen and Nitrogen . They are large molecules that carry out complex functions and are amphipathic . They are made up of smaller molecules called amino acids.

Functions :

Form structural framework (ex: collagen & keratin)

 Function as hormones, regulate physiological processes, control growth/development, mediate responses of the nervous system (ex: insulin)  Allow muscle contraction (ex: myosin and actin)  Immunological: aid in responses to foreign substances (ex: antibodies)  Transport: carry vital substances throughout the body (ex: hemoglobin)  Catalysts: act as enzymes and function in regulation of biochemical reactions (ex: amylase, lipase and lactase)

Protein Structure : Amino acid – Peptide – Polypeptide – Protein

Amino Acids (AA)

 20 types (10 essential, 10 non-essential)  building blocks of proteins  made up of central carbon – C, amino group (NH2), a carboxyl group (COOH) and a side chain ‘R’ (is different for each AA.)  bind together with a covalent bond called a Peptide Bond . It always forms between the carboxyl group of one AA and the amino group of another.  Peptide bond  water is removed therefore a dehydration synthesis reaction.  2 AA = dipeptide, 3 AA = tripeptide, 10-100 AA = Polypeptide 100+ AA = protein  Ex: Hemoglobin has 4 polypeptide chains

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