1. Build Repair Metabolism
What are proteins
Build Repair Metabolism

2. Elements contained in Proteins
Unlike carbs and fats proteins contain 4 elements
Carbon, Hydrogen, oxygen and NITROGEN
This makes it difficult to convert protein into glucose.
For this REASON PROTEIN IS RARELY USED FOR ENERGY

3. Weird but important fact
If protein loses it’s N it loses it’s shape and can no longer be used as a protein.
It can’t do it’s job.
Using it for energy is really only for emergencies
IF the body is under nourished and not getting enough protein, then the body will start digesting it’s own muscles even it’s own heart.

4. What are the building blocks
Amino acids are the building block for protein
The R group is different on each.
There are 20 amino acids
The order of the amino acids
Determines the shape of the protein
Proteins are known by their unique shape.
The shape of the protein determines the job it does
Your body makes thousands of proteins.

5. The essential amino acids
Your body can make 12 amino acids
The other 8 you have to get from your food.
These are called the essential amino acids.
Proteins from animal souces contain all 8 they are complete proteins.
Beef, poultry, fish, eggs, milk
Proteins from plants are incomplete. They are missing one or two amino acids.
They have to be eaten in pairs to get all 8 amino acids.

6. Protein pairs for vegetarians
Rule of thumb grain + legume=complete protein
Eg.
Rice and lentils
Peas soup and corn bread
Peanut butter on whole wheat bread
There are a few veggie proteins that are complete.
Soya complete
Quinoa complete

7. For what does the body use proteins
They build tissue
Muscles, hair, nails, skin (kerotin)
They carry oxygen and clot blood
Hemoglobin and thromboplastin
They control growth, regulate sugar, send messages as hormones
Human growth hormone, insulin, testosterone, estrogen
They speed up chemical changes as enzymes
Amylase, protease, lipase
They protect you from UV radiation
Melanin
They fight infection
antibodies
Energy as a last resort only

8. Identification of proteins in the lab
The indicator for proteins is called biurets solution.
This can be done in a spot plate.
It will burn your skin.
With water as a negative control biurets stays a pale blue.
When protein is present biurets turns
purple or violet.