Proteins are a large category of organic compounds
formed from the elements
-
Carbon (C),
-
Hydrogen (H),
-
Oxygen (O) and
-
Nitrogen,
-
and, in some cases, also Sulphur (S) and Phosphorus (P).
There are many different protein molecules - all have
complex structures formed by one or more polypeptide chains of linked
amino
acids.
Why are proteins important?
- Protein is one of the three main parts of the
human diet - the others being fat and carbohydrates.
- Proteins are essential as chemical "building-blocks"
within the body because they form the material structures of many
tissues, muscles and organs.
- Proteins are also important because of their roles
regulating bodily functions, enzymes
and hormones.
More about the Digestive
System:
This section includes pages about:
*
Introduction to the Digestive System
*
Terminology about Digestion
* Passage
through the alimentary tract
* Component Parts of the Digestive System, incl. Teeth,
Stomach,
Liver,
Small
Intestine,
Large Intestine
* Chemical
Processes in the Digestive System (introductory level)
*
Diseases and Disorders of the Digestive System.
For further information see also our pages of
books about gastroenterology. |
 |
This section
is about
Terms
used to describe digestion and digestive processes
To read about other parts of the digestive system, use the links on the
left-side of this page.
See also glossary pages about
Tissues
and Organs of the
Digestive System
and about
Diseases
and Disorders of the Digestive System
|
