Enzyme that breaks down proteins. What are the functions of proteins?

In the human body, the protein content in the right amounts is a natural necessity for its normal functioning. This component ensures the growth of absolutely all cells of the body due to the fact that it contains in sufficient quantities the necessary amino acids. An important role is played by the protein in the replication of RNA and DNA molecules. What are the functions of proteins in the body? Which enzymes are responsible for their cleavage? These and other questions are answered in the article.

What is protein

Proteins are the most important nutrients for people, contained in various foods. In another way protein in medicine is also called a protein. This very term is very often found in the recommendations of experienced doctors.

What is the role of proteins in the human body

The protein is very important for maintaining muscle volume of the human body. It will also be useful in case of restoration of damaged tissue sites, which very often occurs with severe bruises or with frostbite and burns. Also, the protein perfectly copes with the maintenance of a healthy state of hair or nails.

For good and stable functioning of the immune system, the protein is virtually indispensable.

What are the main functions of protein

So, what are the functions of proteins in the body? The following can be distinguished:

• Catalytic function - with the help of it it is possible to control the chemical reactions occurring in biological systems;
• Transport function - transfer to all organs and tissues of the oxygen they need;
• Protective function is based on the fact that the protein in the blood has a tendency to clotting, which protects the human body from excessive loss of blood with possible injuries;
• The contractile function is responsible for the contraction of the muscles of the human body with the direct participation of actin and myosin proteins;
• The structural function ensures the formation of biomembrane cells;
• Hormonal function conducts the correct separation of nutrients within the body with the help of hormones;
• Nutritional function provides with the help of proteins the right amount of calories for human life, and this is what gives him the opportunity to get the necessary energy and physical strength.

Who should eat the most protein

People who are actively involved in a particular sport are strongly encouraged by their doctors and trainers to consume as much as possible food that contains a sufficient amount of protein. On average, according to research by doctors, professional athletes need a protein content of 2 to 3 grams per kilogram of their body.

What foods most contain protein in their composition

The highest protein content is in soy - 100 grams of this product accounts for approximately 34 grams of protein. If we take as an example other products, then its approximate content may differ significantly. Below are the main products that contain protein in sufficient quantities, namely:

• Cheese - from 14 to 20 grams per 100 grams of product;
• Fish - from 12 to 16 grams;
• Meat - from 14 to 20 grams;
• Beans and peas - in them this figure is about 20 grams.

But in order to ensure that the body receives protein in the required amount, it is more effective to eat meat and dishes on a dairy basis. The fact is that they contain the full amino acids. But with beans or peas, and also with almost all products of vegetable origin, the situation is somewhat different. They contain within themselves an incomplete set of amino acids. Soybean, unlike all other crops, is doing well here. The protein that it contains has the most valuable properties. After soy, you can also isolate the protein of lentils.

What negative consequences can lead to a lack and an excess of protein in the body

If the body is not sufficiently saturated with protein, it may well be a violation of the liver, small intestine or pancreas. Also, this problem can have a negative impact on the functioning of the nervous system.

With an overabundance of protein, it can gradually accumulate in the body. Excess liver protein processes into glucose and a variety of nitrogenous compounds, which is also very negatively reflected on the kidneys.

Some enzymes that break down proteins

But what to do to ensure that the level of proteins in the body does not exceed the required limits? An important role is played by enzymes that split this component. The main enzymes, which are assigned to this "mission", include sucrose, lactose and amylase. The proportion of amylase in this case is a large part, about 90% of the total content of organic substances. It is an enzyme that breaks down proteins, which copes with proteins that have complex carbohydrates in their chemical composition.

Splitting of proteins in the stomach

Splitting of protein in the stomach is a multi-step process. About 97% of the proteins that have been cleaved are absorbed as free amino acids directly into the human blood.

The gastrointestinal tract, thanks to its enzyme apparatus, easily splits proteins into so-called peptide bonds of molecules. All this happens in stages, as well as exclusively in the selective manner. In the case of detachment of one amino acid from the protein molecule, a peptide and an amino acid are formed. After this, another amino acid is cleaved from the peptide after a certain time, then the next. Such an action occurs until the molecule completely, without residue, is cleaved to an amino acid.

Pepsin: function and basic action

В желудке образуется в результате естественного синтеза профермента пепсиногена пепсин. Pepsin has its main purpose in the human body, associated with the correct distribution of food, as well as its further transformation into peptides and various amino acids. In the stomach is formed as a result of the natural synthesis of the pepsinogen pepticene pepsin.

Protein as a plant origin (obtained from the use of peas, beans and other crops), and from meat, cheese, milk and other products obtained through animals, is easily broken down by pepsin.

What are the properties of pepsin? It has an interesting function. The fact is that pepsin is able to turn off milk, converting it to casein and caseinogen. In this way cheeses and other products made on the basis of milk are often produced.

In medicine, pepsin is also widely used. They can treat such diseases as a stomach ulcer, chronic gastritis, stomach cancer. Pepsin is quite effective, the function of which is now considered, and with problems with the digestive tract. In this case, it is used as a kind of substitution therapy.

Applying pepsin (an enzyme that breaks down proteins) inside, it is necessary to take into account its high activity in an acid medium. If the acidity of the stomach is reduced, use this drug should be. If pepsin is in the form of a powder, then it should be diluted in 100 ml of water or in hydrochloric acid (1-3% solution), and if in the form of a tablet, dissolve it in water.

Doctors recommend using pepsin 2 to 3 times a day. And it is desirable to do this before eating. The average dose is from 0.2 to 0.5 grams. However, for a child, it should be significantly reduced - it will be enough to use from 0.1 to 0.08 grams of this medication.

A person suffering from gastritis or a stomach ulcer, the action of pepsin will not benefit. In this case, its use is strictly prohibited.

Trypsin: enzyme function

What is trypsin? This is another unique enzyme that breaks down proteins and peptides. Moreover, it has the function of hydrolysis of esters. The main function of trypsin is that it perfectly controls the digestive process.

Treats trypsin such diseases as bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis. It can be used for burns, with various purulent wounds, and also after operations. In dentistry with diseases of the oral cavity this preparation is also very useful.

Side effects that can occur with the use of trypsin are associated with an increase in body temperature. If trypsin has been administered by inhalation, irritation of the mucosa of the upper respiratory tract can result.

Use trypsin, the function of which is discussed in the article, preferably no more than two times a day for 0.01 grams. Children are encouraged to use it once a day, with only 0.0025 grams.

On the wound after its treatment with alcohol or green, it is also possible to impose a cloth impregnated with trypsin. Such a canvas should be on the damaged place for at least 24 hours. In this situation, trypsin (an enzyme that breaks down proteins and peptides) serves as a kind of protection against various kinds of infections.

Protease

Protease is an enzyme, more precisely a whole group of enzymes that are found in gastric juice. They, in turn, are produced by the pancreas. In addition, the protease is also present in the intestine. The main function of the protease is the effective cleavage of protein in the body.

The main proteolytic enzyme pancreatin

There are a number of enzymes that actively participate in the process of digestion, and also successfully remove any inflammatory processes. They also include pancreatin, which minimizes the negative effects of allergies in humans on certain products. Also, when internal diseases arise, pancreatin is best for their treatment.

However, people who are experiencing enzyme deficiency, it is recommended to use those drugs that contain several different enzymes. They can be safely classified as active biological additives. But such medicines must be carefully taken and observed at the same time a certain periodicity. It is advisable to do it nevertheless on the urgent recommendation of the attending physician according to his prescriptions. It is not worth it to manifest one's own initiative in this situation. In particular, this is very dangerous, if a person is not endowed with certain knowledge in the field of medicine. Remember, self-medication can only exacerbate the situation, and it is impossible to determine the lack of protein and enzymes in the body without medical intervention. Be healthy!