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These proteins provide structure and support for cells. Messenger proteins, such as some types of hormones, transmit signals to coordinate biological processes between different cells, tissues, and organs. They also assist with the formation of new molecules by reading the genetic information stored in DNA. Proteins can be described according to their large range of functions in the body, listed in alphabetical order:Īntibodies bind to specific foreign particles, such as viruses and bacteria, to help protect the body.Įnzymes carry out almost all of the thousands of chemical reactions that take place in cells.
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Amino acids are coded by combinations of three DNA building blocks (nucleotides), determined by the sequence of genes. The sequence of amino acids determines each protein’s unique 3-dimensional structure and its specific function. There are 20 different types of amino acids that can be combined to make a protein. Proteins are made up of hundreds or thousands of smaller units called amino acids, which are attached to one another in long chains.
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They do most of the work in cells and are required for the structure, function, and regulation of the body’s tissues and organs. Proteins are large, complex molecules that play many critical roles in the body.
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