Function in the body

Protein is very important for the body, as the body needs proteins to function. Proteins have many different tasks, they provide energy, and maintain and protect the bodies functions. Proteins are also responsible for many of the chemical reactions in the body.

Hemoglobin is a protein which binds the oxygen molecules to the red blood cells. The red blood cell transports the oxygen through the body and provides the cells with the oxygen, as they need this to function.

An antibody is a protective protein produced by the immune system as a response to the presence of an antigen, which is a foreign substance in the body. These substances are for example toxic materials and disease-causing organisms such as venom. Antibodies are produced in the plasma cells of the body, and they are found in the blood, and outside of the blood veins, such as in the mucosal. When an unknown substance enters the body, it is recognized as foreign because the molecules on the surface of an antigen is different from those found in the body. The antibodies' task is to recognize and latch onto antigens. They don't destroy the bacteria themselves, but send signals to cells so that they can destroy the bacteria. Interestingly, antibodies are very specific in the sense that a specific antibody reacts only to a specific antigen.

Moreover, some hormones are also proteins. For instance, insulin.

Enzymes are proteins which function as a catalyst in the cells. They regulate the chemical reactions in the body, and make sure they go as they should. For example, they catalyze cell metabolism. This includes helping the body with the digestion of food. They break the food into smaller molecules, and conserve and transform the energy. In addition, some inherited human diseases come from a deficiency of a particular enzyme.

Workes sited:

Britannia.com. "Antibody". https://www.britannica.com/science/antibody

Morten Harboe. Store Norske Leksikon. (18/05/2018) "Antistoffer". https://sml.snl.no/antistoffer

Brandt, H., Hushovd, O. T., & Tellefsen, C. W. (2016). ''Naturfag SF. ''Oslo: Aschehoug.