ORGANIC MATTER: PROTEIN

Proteins are considered polymers due to their chemical structure, which consists of long, linear chains of amino acids linked together through peptide bonds. A polymer is a macromolecule composed of repeating units of monomers. In the case of proteins, the monomers are amino acids. Every protein is made up of at least 70 aminoacids, composed of amines, combined with carboxylic acid.

Amines are Nitrogenated Compounds, they have nitrogen atoms linked to the carbon chain.

When one or more hydrogens in the ammonia molecule (NH3) are replaced by carbon, amines arise. When they are combined with carboxylic acids (carboxyl chains - union of a carbonyl C=O, and a hydroxyl - OH), they give rise to the aminoacids.

There are three categories for the amino acids, related to the body's ability to produce them and the need to obtain them through the diet.

Essential Amino Acids: These are amino acids that the human body cannot produce on its own or cannot produce in adequate quantities to meet its needs. Therefore, they must be obtained through the diet. There are nine essential amino acids: histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine.

Semi-essential Amino Acids: These are amino acids that the body can synthesize, but in certain conditions (such as in times of growth, stress or illness), the quantity produced may not be sufficient to meet the body's demands. Therefore, in certain situations, they may also need to be obtained through the diet. Examples of semi-essential amino acids include arginine, cysteine, glutamine, tyrosine, glycine, proline and serine.

Non-Essential Amino Acids: These are amino acids that the human body is capable of producing in adequate quantities to meet its needs from other nutrient sources. Therefore, it is not necessary to obtain them directly from the diet. Examples of non-essential amino acids include alanine, asparagine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, hydroxyproline, and selenocysteine.

Proteins are the building blocks of muscles, skin, hair, nails, bones and other tissues in the body. They are essential for the growth, repair and maintenance of tissues. Many enzymes and hormones are proteins that regulate important biological processes such as digestion, metabolism, growth and development. Some proteins act as nutrient transporters, such as transporting oxygen through the blood (hemoglobin) and transporting fats (lipoproteins). they also play a crucial role in the immune system, helping to fight infections and diseases

Here are the 20 amino acids commonly found in proteins: Alanine, Arginine, Asparagine, Aspartic acid, Cysteine, Glutamine, Glutamic acid, Glycine, Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Proline, Serine, Threonine, Tryptophan, Tyrosine, Valine.

Alanine - a non-essential amino acid that plays a crucial role in transporting ammonia generated in muscles to the liver, where it is converted into urea. The urea is then excreted by the kidneys in the urine, helping to eliminate excess ammonia from the body. This process is important to maintain blood pH balance and prevent ammonia toxicity.

Furthermore, during physical exercise, alanine can be converted into glucose in the liver through a process called gluconeogenesis. This glucose can then be used as an energy source by muscles during exercise, helping to maintain blood glucose levels and providing fuel for physical performance.

Arginine - a semi-essential amino acid that the body can produce in certain situations, such as during growth, in periods of physical stress or illness, or in specific metabolic conditions. This amino acid can be ingested through beans, peas, and vegetable protein. Arginine plays a role in regulating the immune system and it makes up the body's proteins, and therefore plays an essential role in protein synthesis. It is necessary for the formation and repair of muscle, bone and other tissues in the body.

This amino acid is also important for the wound healing process. It helps promote the production of collagen. Collagen is a fibrous protein found in skin, cartilage, tendons, bones and connective tissues, which provides strength, elasticity and structural support to these tissues.

Arginine is essential for tissue healing, and can also stimulate the proliferation of cells that help repair damaged tissue. It is also a precursor to nitric oxide, a molecule that is a signaling molecule that has vasodilatory, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It plays an important role in cardiovascular health, blood pressure control and endothelial function.

Asparagine - a non-essential amino acid and is a fundamental component in protein synthesis. It is present in practically all proteins in the body and is essential for their proper structure and function. It acts as an excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Asparagine plays an important role in communication between neurons and the transmission of nerve signals, thus contributing to the proper function of the brain and nervous system as a whole.

This amino acid participates in the urea cycle, a process by which the body converts ammonia, a toxic byproduct of protein metabolism, into urea, which is then excreted by the kidneys in the urine. This detoxification process is essential for maintaining adequate ammonia levels in the body and preventing damage to tissues and organs. In addition to these functions, asparagine is also involved in other metabolic processes, such as regulating acid-base balance and energy production. Its presence in a variety of tissues and cells in the body highlights its importance for the health and proper functioning of the human organism.

Aspartic acid - a non-essential amino acid that is involved in the citric acid cycle, one of the main metabolic pathways for energy production in cells. It can be converted to oxaloacetate, a key intermediate in the citric acid cycle, where it is oxidized to produce ATP, the main cellular energy currency. Aspartic acid is a fundamental component in protein synthesis. It is incorporated into polypeptide chains during the translation process of messenger RNA (mRNA) in ribosomes, thus contributing to the formation of new proteins.

Aspartic acid also participates in the urea cycle and acts as an excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. It plays an important role in communication between neurons and the transmission of nerve signals, contributing to proper brain function. The name comes from the term "asparagine", an amino acid that can be converted into aspartic acid in the body. Asparagine is named after the vegetable asparagus.

Cysteine - a semi-essential amino acid that makes up the body's proteins. It is especially important in the structure of proteins found in tissues such as skin, hair and nails, contributing to their integrity and health. It is a fundamental component in the synthesis of glutathione, one of the most powerful antioxidants in the body. Glutathione plays a crucial role in protecting cells against damage caused by free radicals and other toxic substances, helping to maintain cellular health and prevent premature aging. It can be synthesized from other amino acids, such as methionine and serine. Under normal conditions, the human body is capable of producing adequate amounts of cysteine ​​to meet its metabolic needs. Nuts, seeds, oats and meat are sources of this amino acid

Cysteine ​​is a key component in molecules called metallothioneins, which are involved in binding and removing heavy metals from the body. It has sulfhydryl groups that can bind to toxic metal ions, such as mercury, lead and cadmium, facilitating their elimination from the body and helping to protect against damage caused by these metals. In addition to these functions, cysteine ​​is also important for the production of taurine and coenzyme A, which play essential roles in metabolic and physiological processes.

Glutamine - considered a conditionally essential amino acid because, although the human body is capable of synthesizing it from other nutrient sources, but in certain physiological or pathological situations (such as menopause, inflammatory bowel disease, leaky gut syndrome irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease and physical traumas), the demand for glutamine may exceed the capacity of the body to produce it in sufficient quantities to meet metabolic needs.

Glutamine got its name because it was originally isolated from a substance called "gluten," which is found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. "Gluten" comes from the Latin "glutine", which means "glue", due to its ability to give elasticity to bread dough. Gluten is a complex protein found in grains such as wheat, barley and rye, and is mainly composed of two proteins: glutenin and gliadin. Although these proteins contain amino acids, including glutamine, the amount of glutamine present in gluten compared to other protein sources can vary.

Consuming foods naturally rich in glutamine can be an effective way to increase levels of this amino acid in the body. Some foods that are good sources of glutamine include meat, fish, poultry, dairy products, eggs, legumes, nuts and seeds. Glutamine supplements are available in powder, capsule or liquid form and can be taken to increase your intake of this amino acid. They are often used by athletes and people with any of the situations mentioned above.

This amino acid plays a crucial role in the health and integrity of the intestinal lining. It serves as an important source of energy for intestinal cells, helping to maintain the intestinal protective barrier and promoting the regeneration and repair of damaged intestinal tissues. It is vital for the proper functioning of the immune system. It is necessary for the proliferation and activity of immune cells such as lymphocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells, thus helping to strengthen the body's immune response to infections and diseases.

Glutamine is converted into energy in cellular mitochondria through the glutamine-glutamate cycle, providing fuel for metabolic processes and cellular activities. In addition to these functions, glutamine is also involved in other physiological processes, such as maintaining cognitive function, detoxifying ammonia and regulating the metabolism of other amino acids.

Glutamic acid - a non-essential amino acid involved in protein synthesis. It is incorporated into polypeptide chains during the messenger RNA (mRNA) translation process in ribosomes, contributing to the formation of new proteins throughout the body. It plays a crucial role in the function of the central nervous system. It is one of the main excitatory neurotransmitters in the brain, involved in the transmission of nerve signals between neurons.

The name glutamic acid derives from glutamate, which in turn is derived from glutamine. Glutamate and glutamic acid are closely related as they are two forms of the same molecule. Glutamate is the most important excitatory neurotransmitter in the human central nervous system. It plays a key role in the rapid transmission of nerve signals throughout the brain and spinal cord. Glutamate is involved in cognitive processes such as learning and memory, as well as motor and sensory functions.

However, it is important to maintain an adequate balance of glutamate in the brain. An excess of glutamate can lead to neuronal overexcitation, causing damage to nerve cells. This phenomenon is known as excitotoxicity and is associated with neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and stroke.

Although monosodium glutamate is one of the most common forms of glutamate found as a food additive, glutamate can be present in its free form (just glutamate) in many natural foods, such as tomatoes, aged cheeses, mushrooms, meats, dairy products, and fermented soybeans. If you want to learn more about monosodium glutamate, visit our article.

In addition to being a neurotransmitter, glutamic acid also plays an important role in modulating the transmission of nerve signals in various parts of the brain and nervous system. It is involved in processes such as synaptic plasticity and neuroplasticity, which are important for brain adaptation and learning. It is important to note that glutamic acid is one of the most abundant amino acids in the human body and plays essential roles in many aspects of cellular physiology and function.

Glycine - a non-essential amino acid used in protein synthesis throughout the body. It is present in many structural and functional proteins, contributing to their proper composition and function. This amino acid is an important component of collagen, the main structural protein found in skin, bones, cartilage, tendons and other connective tissues. It plays a crucial role in the stability and resistance of these tissues, helping to keep them healthy and functional.

Glycine acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. It has the ability to decrease neuronal activity, helping to modulate the transmission of nerve signals and the regulation of processes such as sleep, anxiety and stress.

It is one of the three amino acids that make up creatine, a molecule involved in storing and supplying energy to muscle cells and other tissues with high energy demands. Creatine plays an important role in physical performance, providing quick energy during high-intensity, short-duration activities. If you wanna learn more about creatine, acess our article!

Glycine is also involved in other physiological processes such as bile acid synthesis, regulation of acid-base balance and antioxidant protection. Its presence in a variety of tissues and systems in the body highlights its importance for the health and proper functioning of the human organism.

Histidine - an essential amino acid, that the human body cannot produce it on its own. It can be found in plant sources, although it is generally in smaller quantities compared to animal protein sources. Examples of foods rich in this amino acid are: chickpeas, beans, seeds, meat, fish, poultry, dairy products and eggs. A balanced diet that includes a variety of these foods can help ensure adequate histidine intake.

This amino acid makes up the proteins of the human body. It is incorporated into many important proteins, such as enzymes, receptors and structural proteins, playing a fundamental role in metabolic and physiological processes. In addition to its function as a structural component of proteins, histidine is also the precursor of histamine, an important neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Histamine plays a crucial role in immune response, sleep regulation, appetite regulation, cognitive function and mood control.

Histamine is released by immune system cells in response to injury, infection, or allergenic substances. It plays a role in inflammation, vasodilation and increasing capillary permeability, helping the body fight infections and other threats. Histamine is also involved in regulating cognitive function and mood. It acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain, influencing processes such as learning, memory, mood and motivation.

Isoleucine - an essential amino acid, that the human body cannot produce it on its own. Isoleucine is found in a variety of protein-rich foods, including meat (especially red meat), fish, poultry, dairy products, eggs and legumes. It plays an essential role in regulating metabolism, being one of the branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). It is especially important for protein synthesis and metabolism in muscle tissues. As one of the BCAAs, isoleucine is crucial for muscle growth and the repair of muscle tissue damaged during exercise. It helps in the synthesis of muscle proteins, promoting muscle growth and recovery.

Isoleucine plays a role in wound healing, helping with the formation of new tissue and recovery from muscle and skin injuries. Its participation in protein synthesis is fundamental to this tissue regeneration process. Isoleucine is also important for the production of hemoglobin, the protein present in red blood cells that transports oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues. An adequate amount of isoleucine is necessary to ensure healthy hemoglobin production.

In addition to its role in protein synthesis and muscle growth, isoleucine is also important for proper muscle function and energy production during exercise. It can be used as a source of energy by muscles during prolonged or intense physical activities.

Leucine - an essential amino acid, that the human body cannot produce it on its own. It is found in the same sources as isoleucine. This amino acid plays an essential role in regulating metabolism, being one of the branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). It is especially important for protein synthesis and metabolism in muscle tissues and is often considered the most important amino acid for muscle protein synthesis due to its unique ability to activate the mTOR, (mammalian target of rapamycin), an important cell signaling pathway that regulates cell growth and proliferation. This results in an increase in muscle protein synthesis and therefore muscle growth. Due to its ability to stimulate muscle protein synthesis, leucine is often associated with muscle growth. It is especially important for individuals involved in resistance training or bodybuilding as it helps maximize gains in lean muscle mass.

This amino acid is commonly used as a dietary supplement by athletes, bodybuilders and people involved in resistance training. Leucine supplementation may be beneficial for increasing muscle protein synthesis, promoting muscle growth, and accelerating recovery after exercise. Leucine supplements are usually available in powder or capsule form and are taken before, during, or after exercise to provide an additional boost of leucine when the body needs the nutrients to optimize protein synthesis and promote muscle recovery.

In addition to its role in muscle protein synthesis, leucine is also involved in regulating metabolism. It can influence the body's basal metabolic rate, helping to regulate energy balance and body composition. Leucine has been linked to improving insulin sensitivity, which may be beneficial for regulating blood glucose levels and glucose metabolism. This can help prevent the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

Lysine - an essential amino acid, that the human body cannot produce it on its own. It is found in the same sources as leucine. Lysine is an essential amino acid that plays a fundamental role in the growth and development of the human body. It is especially important during periods of growth, such as childhood, adolescence and pregnancy, when the demand for lysine is greatest to support the proper development of tissues and organs.

This amino acid is necessary for the synthesis of collagen, an important structural protein found in skin, tendons, cartilage and bones. Collagen is essential for skin health, providing structure, elasticity and resistance. Therefore, lysine plays a crucial role in maintaining skin health and wound healing. Lysine is important for bone health as it helps with the absorption and retention of calcium in the body. Calcium is an essential mineral for the formation and maintenance of bones and teeth, and the adequate presence of lysine can improve its absorption and use by the body.

Lysine plays an important role in the production of antibodies, which are immune system proteins responsible for fighting infections and diseases. An adequate intake of lysine can help strengthen the immune system and increase the body's ability to fight infections. In addition to its importance in protein synthesis, lysine also plays a role in muscle function. It is involved in the maintenance and repair of muscle tissues, contributing to muscle development and strength.

Methionine - an essential amino acid, that the human body cannot produce it on its own. It plays a key role in the formation of polypeptides, which are the building blocks of proteins in the human body. From methionine, other amino acids can be synthesized, allowing the construction of a variety of proteins essential for various biological functions. It is found in the same sources as leucine. Methionine is important for the formation and maintenance of tissues in the body. It contributes to the production of collagen, a structural protein found in skin, bones, cartilage and connective tissues. Furthermore, methionine is involved in cell regeneration and repair of damaged tissues.

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Methionine is an important precursor in the synthesis of glutathione, one of the most powerful antioxidants produced by the body. Glutathione plays a crucial role in protecting cells against damage caused by free radicals, helping to neutralize harmful oxidizing substances and maintain cellular health. Methionine is also converted to cysteine ​​in the body through a series of biochemical reactions. Cysteine ​​is another essential amino acid that plays important roles in protein synthesis, antioxidant formation, and heavy metal detoxification.

Another function of this amino acid is that it is involved in lipid metabolism, helping to emulsify and transport fats throughout the body. It contributes to the synthesis of phospholipids, which are essential components of cell membranes, and also plays a role in the synthesis of other lipid molecules important for the proper functioning of the organism.

Phenylalanine - an essential amino acid, that the human body cannot produce it on its own. It is involved in the production of neurotransmitters that affect mood and emotional well-being. Dopamine, for example, is known as the neurotransmitter of pleasure and reward, while norepinephrine and epinephrine are involved in the stress response and mood regulation. Phenylalanine-derived neurotransmitters such as dopamine play important roles in cognitive function, including memory, learning, attention, and information processing. A proper balance of these neurotransmitters is essential for healthy cognitive functioning. It is found in the same sources as methionine.

This amino acid is converted intotyrosine, another amino acid, in the body through an enzyme called phenylalanine hydroxylase. Phenylalanine also plays a role in fat metabolism in the body. It is involved in the production of other important molecules for lipid metabolism, helping to break down and properly use fats as a source of energy.

Proline - a non-essential amino acid and is an essential component of collagen, the most abundant protein in the human body The presence of proline and hydroxyproline (a proline derivative) in collagen chains is crucial for the stability and structural integrity of this protein. Due to its fundamental role in the structure of collagen, proline is essential for the health and proper function of skin, cartilage, tendons and bones. An adequate amount of proline in the diet is important for the on going synthesis and repair of collagen, which is essential for the regeneration and maintenance of these tissues.

Proline plays an important role in the wound healing process by facilitating the formation and organization of scar tissue. It is necessary for the synthesis of new collagen in the injured area, helping to restore the integrity and function of damaged tissues. It also plays a role in vascular health by helping maintain the integrity and elasticity of blood vessels. Proline-rich collagen is an important component of the extracellular matrix of blood vessels, providing structural support and regulating vascular function.

Serine - a non-essential amino acid that is incorporated into polypeptide chains during the translation process of messenger RNA (mRNA) in ribosomes, contributing to the formation of new proteins. The presence of serine in different positions of proteins can influence their structure and function. Serine is an important component of several proteins and enzymes in the human body, participating in essential metabolic processes such as glycolysis, the synthesis of purines and pyrimidines, and the regulation of the tricarboxylic acid cycle (Krebs cycle).

This amino acid is involved in lipid metabolism as an important component of phospholipids, which are the main constituents of cell membranes. It participates in the synthesis of phosphatidylserine, a phospholipid found in cell membranes, which plays crucial roles in cell signaling, nutrient transport and maintenance of cellular integrity. It is a precursor to choline, an essential nutrient needed for healthy brain and liver function. Choline is an important component of cell membrane phospholipids and is necessary for the synthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which plays important roles in the transmission of nerve signals and cognitive function.

Serine plays a role in regulating the immune system, as it is involved in the production of antibodies and the function of lymphocytes, cells of the immune system responsible for defending the body against invading pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses and fungi.

Threonine - an essential amino acid, that the human body cannot produce it on its own. It is found in the same sources as methionine. It It is one of the essential amino acids required for protein synthesis. During the translation process of messenger RNA (mRNA) in ribosomes, threonine is incorporated into growing polypeptide chains, contributing to the formation of new proteins. It is especially important in the structuring and functionality of many structural and enzymatic proteins.

This amino acid plays a role in regulating the immune system, as it is involved in the production of antibodies and the body's immune response. It is necessary for the formation of Tlymphocytes, cells of the immune system that play a crucial role in defending against infections and responding to pathogens. Threonine plays a role in the formation of antibodies, which are immune system proteins responsible for identifying and neutralizing pathogens. It is necessary for the synthesis of immunoglobulins, proteins that recognize and bind to specific antigens, triggering an adaptive immune response.

Threonine plays a role in liver function by helping with the synthesis of proteins and enzymes involved in hepatic metabolism. It contributes to the regulation of lipid, carbohydrate and protein metabolism in the liver, which are essential for metabolic homeostasis and liver health. it is also involved in the health of the nervous system, as it is a precursor of glycine and serine, two neurotransmitters important for brain function and communication between neurons. Glycine acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, while serine is involved in the synthesis of other neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine.

Tryptophan - an essential amino acid, that the human body cannot produce it on its own. It is found in the same sources as methionine. It is incorporated into polypeptide chains during the translation process of messenger RNA (mRNA) in ribosomes, contributing to the formation of new proteins. Its presence is crucial for the growth, repair and maintenance of body tissues.

This amino acid is an important precursor in the synthesis of neurotransmitters in the brain, including serotonin. Serotonin plays essential roles in regulating mood, sleep, appetite and cognitive function. Adequate levels of tryptophan in the diet can positively influence serotonin levels, contributing to emotional and mental well-being. Serotonin is known as the "feel-good hormone" due to its positive effects on mood and emotion.

Tryptophan is also converted into niacin (vitamin B3) in the body. Niacin is an essential vitamin that plays important roles in energy metabolism, skin health, nervous system function and steroid hormone production. An adequate intake of tryptophan is important to ensure adequate synthesis of niacin in the body.

Tyrosine - a non-essential amino acid that plays an important role in protein synthesis. It is incorporated into polypeptide chains during the translation process of messenger RNA (mRNA) in ribosomes, contributing to the formation of new proteins. Its presence is crucial for the growth, repair and maintenance of body tissues. It is a precursor in the synthesis of several important neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine. These neurotransmitters play crucial roles in regulating mood, stress, mood, and cognitive function. Adequate levels of tyrosine in the diet can positively influence brain function and emotional well-being.

This amino acid plays a role in metabolism as a precursor to thyroid hormones. It is converted to dopa and then to dopamine, which is a precursor to norepinephrine, and then norepinephrine is converted to epinephrine. These hormones, produced by the thyroid gland, play essential roles in energy metabolism, regulation of growth and development, regulation of body temperature and other metabolic functions.

Tyrosine is known to play a role in regulating mood and stress due to its contribution to the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which are involved in modulating the stress response and controlling mood. Tyrosine is a precursor to thyroid hormones such as thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which play crucial roles in regulating basal metabolism, growth and development, cardiovascular function, and regulation of body temperature.

Valina - an essential amino acid, that the human body cannot produce it on its own. It plays an essential role in regulating metabolism, being one of the branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). It is especially important for protein synthesis and metabolism in muscle tissues. It is found in a variety of protein-rich foods, including meat, fish, poultry, dairy products, eggs and legumes.

This amino acid plays a role in regulating metabolism, helping to convert glucose into energy in muscle cells and other tissues of the body. It is especially important for energy metabolism during physical exercise, providing a source of energy for working muscles.

Valine also plays a role in blood sugar regulation, helping to maintain adequate blood glucose levels during exercise and periods of fasting. It can be converted into glucose by the liver through a process called gluconeogenesis, providing an additional source of energy when needed.