Askiitians Tutor Team
Last Activity: 4 Months ago
Functional proteins perform specific functions within an organism, while structural proteins provide support and strength to cells and tissues. Here are some examples of both:
Functional proteins:
Enzymes: Catalysts for biochemical reactions. Examples include amylase (breaks down starch), catalase (breaks down hydrogen peroxide), and ATP synthase (involved in ATP production).
Antibodies: Part of the immune system, antibodies recognize and bind to foreign substances (antigens) to help neutralize them.
Hormones: Signaling molecules that regulate various physiological processes. Examples include insulin (regulates blood sugar levels), adrenaline (involved in the fight-or-flight response), and growth hormone (regulates growth and development).
Hemoglobin: Found in red blood cells, hemoglobin transports oxygen from the lungs to tissues throughout the body.
Chlorophyll: Found in chloroplasts of plants, chlorophyll absorbs light energy during photosynthesis.
Structural proteins:
Collagen: The main component of connective tissues such as tendons, ligaments, and skin. Provides strength and structure.
Keratin: Found in hair, nails, and the outer layer of skin (epidermis), keratin provides toughness and protection.
Actin and myosin: Found in muscle cells, actin and myosin are involved in muscle contraction and movement.
Tubulin: Forms microtubules, which are part of the cytoskeleton and play roles in cell shape, intracellular transport, and cell division.
Elastin: Found in connective tissues, elastin provides elasticity and resilience to tissues like blood vessels and skin.
These are just a few examples, and there are many more functional and structural proteins with diverse roles in living organisms.