Question

1. Identify the chemical elements of protein. How many amino acids are there that build body proteins. How many essential amino acids are there.

2. What is the difference between indispensable (essential), dispensable (nonessential), and conditionally indispensable (essential) amino acids.

3. What are the major functions of proteins in the body.

3. Describe nitrogen balance and the conditions that may result in positive and negative nitrogen balance.

4. What are complete and incomplete proteins. Identify food items that contain complete proteins and those that contain incomplete proteins.

5. How is protein digested and absorbed.

6. What are plasma proteins role in fluid balance.

7. What are plant and animal sources of protein in the human diet.

8. Explain complementary protein foods, and give examples.

9. What is the difference between a lacto-vegetarian and a lacto-ovo-vegetarian. What is a vegan.

10. Explain kwashiorkor and marasmus. Which one of these conditions results in fluid   displacement and swelling of the abdomen.

11. State the Dietary Reference Intake for protein for a healthy adult.

12. How is excess protein stored in the body.

13. Vegan/vegetarian diets: which nutrients are of major concern for possible inadequacy of intake.

14. How many calories are there in a gram of protein.

Answer 1

Amino acids are the energy source of the body. Proteins are made up of amino acids to help the body to function.

1. Protein is synthesized from amino acids. Amino acids are the organic compound which contain amine (-NH2) and carboxyl (-COOH) group and with a R group. The elements found are carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur. In Human body, the proteins are made by basic 21 amino acids where nine are essential amino acids.

2. Indispensable (essential) amino acids ; These amino acids are not produced in the body, The food is the main sourse to get these amino acids. They are phenylalanine, valine, threonine, tryptophan, methionine, leucine, isoleucine, lysine, and histidine.

Dispensable (nonessential) amino acids ; These are amino acids synthesized inside the body even if it is not consumed from food. They are alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, proline, serine, and tyrosine.

Conditionally indispensable amino acids ; These amino acids are only needed by the body in certain circumstances like state of sickness or stress. They are arginine, cysteine, glutamine, tyrosine, glycine, ornithine, proline, and serine.

3. The major functions of proteins in the body

• Growth and development ; Protein are the essential component to produce energy in the body to meet body functions.
• Tissue repair and maintenance ; Protein helps to rebuild the injured tissue and muscles by breaking down.
• Help with basic body functions ; The enzymes are synthesized by using protein which are essential for body function through various chemical reactions. It helps in process of digestion, bllod formation and clotting, movements and muscle contraction.
• Helps in structure and function of body ; The muscles, collagen fibers, skin are made from protein.
• Synthesis of some hormones ; Most of the endocrine hormones are synthesised from hormones which act as a messenger in the body function.
• Helps in maintaining pH level in body by acting as a buffer system.
• Helps in immunity ; The antibodies are produced from protein which are essential for immunity.
• Act as transporters of oxygens, glucose, vitamins, and cholesterol