Proteins are organic compounds which always contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen and they often contain sulphur and phosphorus as well. Each molecule of protein is made up of many amino acids linked together by strong peptide bonds into one or more polypeptide chains. Further weak bonds between certain amino acids in a polypeptide chain make it coil into a spiral.
When polypeptide chains become linked together by cross- bridges, this makes a fibrous protein. If several polypeptides become folded together and held by bonds in a rough spherical shape, the protein formed is described as globular. When a globular protein combines with a non - protein chemical, the molecule formed is called a conjugated protein.
Function.
Many types of fibrous protein exist and each possesses a structure suited to its function. Elastin, for example, is strong and elastice and gives artery walls flexible support. Collagen is strong and inelastic to serve as components of bones, tendons and ligaments.
Globular proteins are also used for many things. Some are hormones (chemical messengers). In animals these are transported in the blood stream to target tissue where they take effect. Other globular proteins act as anti bodies and defend the body against antigens. All enzymes are globular and are required to speed up chemical reactions.
Conjugated proteins also carry out several functions. Mucus for example lubricates and protects parts of the human body. Haemoglobin combines with oxygen in the lungs and delivers it to the respiring cells.
Packaging and Secretion.
Newly synthesised proteins enter the channels of the rough endoplasmic reticulum which is made up of a network of interconnected membranes, developed into a series of flattened cavities called cisternae. The endoplasmic reticulum acts as a transport system through the cell. Endoplasmic reticulum may be smooth or covered with ribosomes in which case it is it is described as rough.