Answer
Typically, proteins constitute 12-15% of body mass of this 65% is in skeletal muscles.
Apart from providing mass, and shape, proteins have several essential functions. These include muscular contraction-- that produce energy, and heat and effect movement-- and movement of cilia and flagella. In addition, proteins serve several structural biochemical functions: they are components of cellular membranes; they serve as membrane ion pumps (sodium-potassium ion pump);they are membrane receptors (ATP receptor), and cell identity markers. Proteins also function as pH buffers in body fluids, and contribute to the resting membrane potential of cells. Hemoglobin and myoglobin store oxygen, and albumin (and other plasma proteins) maintain blood viscosity and osmolarity and transport other proteins and lipids.
Work Step by Step
Fibrous proteins such as collagen, elastin and keratin form much of the structure of bones, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, skin and hair. Globular proteins are important as hormones, antibodies, neuromodulators, hemoglobin, myoglobin and enzymes (over 2,000).
