Protein
macromolecule that contains carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur
Proteins are large molecules made up of amino acids that perform a wide range of functions in living organisms. They are involved in almost every biological process, including metabolism, DNA replication, cell division, and immune response.
Proteins are composed of long chains of amino acids that are folded into unique three-dimensional shapes. The sequence of amino acids in a protein is determined by the sequence of nucleotides in the gene that codes for the protein. Once the protein is synthesized, it folds into its unique shape, which determines its function.
Proteins have a diverse range of functions, including enzymes that catalyze chemical reactions, structural proteins that provide support to cells and tissues, transport proteins that move molecules across cell membranes, and signaling proteins that communicate between cells. Some proteins also act as hormones or as receptors for hormones.
Proteins are essential for life and are found in all living organisms, from bacteria to plants to animals. They are an important target for drug development and are used in many industrial applications, such as food production and biotechnology.
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