How do proteins work?

Question

DNA -> RNA -> Proteins

Well how do proteins work?

Answer 1

Just about every function in your body, is a result of the actions of a protein. All cell to cell signaling is done by proteins (hormones-there are lipid based signals too like steroids and eicosanoids). Structure in cells is a result of protein function(the cytoskeleton, extracellular matrix of connection tissue like bone). Chemical reactions are carried out by enzymes in all cells (enzymes are proteins). Action potentials in neurons, and transport of materials across membranes is due to channels created by proteins. Membrane receptors are made of proteins, replication is carried out by proteins, transcription, translation, both actions of proteins. Proteins do EVERTHING in your body.

How do they work? It really comes down to the basic principles of physics. Molecules interact with proteins, proteins interact with other proteins. Structural proteins, like collagen, are often stronger than anything we can make in a factory. Collagen is made up of three peptide molecules wound up into a triple helix, and is incredibly strong, due to the interaction between these peptides. Enzymes aid in chemical reactions by having substrates interact with a portion of the enzyme called the active site. The properties of the active site interact with, and change the substrate so that it can react faster and easier. This is done by means of charges attracting and repelling, pH differences, and other weak chemica interactions.

The bottom line is that proteins do EVERYTHING in our bodies. They carry out just about every single function, and they work by way of very simple physics, not magic!

Answer 2

Proteins are polymers of amino acids. An amino acid has an amino group (-NH2) on one end and a carboxyl group (-COOH) on the other. They form covalent bonds with each other. Proteins carry out chemical reactions; they pump small molecules in and out of cells; and they are even responsible for the ability of cells to move.

That probably doesn't help, but hey I'm only in high school.