Protein

Essential molecule composed of amino acids.

protein molecule protozoa

A large, complex molecule composed of amino acids linked by peptide bonds; essential for the structure, function, and regulation of tissues and organs in living organisms.

Pronunciation

/ˈproʊtiːn/

Etymology

The term 'protein' was derived from the Greek word 'proteos,' meaning 'primary' or 'first.'

Explain Like I’m 5

Proteins are like tiny machines in your body, built from smaller parts called amino acids, and they help you grow, fight germs, and do lots of other important things.

Fun Facts

Enzymes are proteins that speed up chemical reactions in your body
Some proteins, like collagen, provide structure to our skin and bones
Hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells, carries oxygen

FAQ

What are proteins? They are large molecules made up of amino acids
Why do we need protein? It's essential for building and repairing tissues
Where do we get protein? From meat, beans, nuts, and dairy products

Hypernyms — Broader Categories

biomolecule macromolecule

Hyponyms — Specific Examples

enzyme antibody hormone

Meronyms — Parts or Components

amino acid peptide bond

Holonyms — Wholes or Groups

cell organism

Indexes

biological chemical chemical compound functional

Built by Tim Jones