Role of Proteins

Proteins are a very important part of the body's cells. They are involved with every bodily function and fill a variety of roles within the body, depending on the type of protein. Here are several types of proteins and their corresponding functions.

Antibodies

• Antibodies are involved with the immune system and are designed to fight foreign cells. One way antibodies assist the immune system is to immobilize foreign bodies so white blood cells can destroy them.

Contractile Proteins

• Contractile proteins facilitate movement. Examples of contractile proteins are actin and myosin, which are responsible for muscle contraction and movement.

Enzymes

• Enzymes are another type of protein. Enzymes, sometimes called catalysts, cause biochemical reactions like the breakdown of nutrients. These proteins speed up the chemical reactions they are a part of.

Hormonal Proteins

• Hormonal proteins help the endocrine system coordinate certain activities within the body that require hormones. These proteins act as messengers for the endocrine system. Examples of this type of protein include insulin, which controls blood sugar, and oxytocin, which stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth.

Structural Proteins

• Structural proteins provide support and are more fibrous than other proteins. Collagen and elastin are examples of structural proteins. Both provide support for connective tissues like tendons and ligaments.

Storage Proteins

• The role of storage proteins is to store amino acids.

Transport Proteins

• Transport proteins, much like the name implies, move molecules from one part of the body to another. One example is hemoglobin, which transports oxygen through the blood.