Transcript Chapter 6
Chapter 6
Protein: Amino Acids
© 2008 Thomson - Wadsworth
The Chemist’s View of
Proteins
• Proteins are made from 20 different amino
acids, 9 of which are essential.
• Each amino acid has an amino group, an
acid group, a hydrogen atom, and a side
group.
• It is the side group that makes each amino
acid unique.
• The sequence of amino acids in each
protein determines its unique shape and
function.
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© 2008 Thomson - Wadsworth
The Chemist’s View of
Proteins
• Amino Acids
Have unique side groups that result
in differences in the size, shape and
electrical charge of an amino acid
Nonessential amino acids, also called
dispensable amino acids, are ones the
body can create.
• Nonessential amino acids include alanine,
arginine, asparagines, aspartic acid,
cysteine, glutamic acid, glutamine,
glycine, proline, serine, and tyrosine.
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© 2008 Thomson - Wadsworth
The Chemist’s View of
Proteins
• Amino Acids
Essential amino acids, also called
indispensable amino acids, must be
supplied by the foods people consume.
• Essential amino acids include histidine, isoleucine,
leucine, lysine, methionine, phenyalanine,
threonine, tryptophan, and valine.
Conditionally essential amino acids refer to
amino acids that are normally nonessential
but essential under certain conditions.
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The Chemist’s View of
Proteins
• Proteins
Amino acid chains are linked by peptide
bonds in condensation reactions.
• Dipeptides have two amino acids bonded
together.
• Tripeptides have three amino acids bonded
together.
• Polypeptides have more than two amino acids
bonded together.
Amino acid sequences are all different,
which allows for a wide variety of possible
sequences.
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© 2008 Thomson - Wadsworth
© 2008 Thomson - Wadsworth
The Chemist’s View of
Proteins
• Proteins
Protein Shapes
• Hydrophilic side groups are attracted to
water.
• Hydrophobic side groups repel water.
• Coiled and twisted chains help to provide
stability.
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© 2008 Thomson - Wadsworth
The Chemist’s View of
Proteins
• Proteins
Protein Functions
• Some carry and store materials.
• Some provide strength.
• Some require minerals for activation (example:
hemoglobin and the mineral iron).
Protein denaturation is the uncoiling of
protein that changes its ability to function.
• Proteins can be denatured by heat and acid.
• After a certain point, denaturation cannot be
reversed.
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Digestion and Absorption
of Protein
• Stomach acid and enzymes facilitate
the digestion of protein.
• It is first denatured, then broken
down to polypeptides.
• The small intestine continues to
break down protein into smaller
peptides and amino acids so it can be
absorbed.
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© 2008 Thomson - Wadsworth
Digestion and Absorption
of Protein
• Protein Digestion
In the Stomach
• Protein is denatured by hydrochloric acid.
• Pepsinogen (a proenzyme) is converted
into its active form pepsin in the
presence of hydrochloric acid.
• Pepsin cleaves proteins into smaller
polypeptides.
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Digestion and Absorption
of Protein
• Protein Digestion
In the Small Intestine
• Proteases hydrolyze protein into short
peptide chains called oligopeptides, which
contain four to nine amino acids.
• Peptidases split proteins into amino
acids.
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Digestion and Absorption
of Protein
• Protein Absorption
Used by intestinal cells for energy or
synthesis of necessary compounds
Transported to the liver
Taking enzyme supplements or
consuming predigested proteins is
unnecessary
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Proteins in the Body
• Proteins are versatile and unique. The
synthesis of protein is determined by genetic
information.
• Protein is constantly being broken down and
synthesized in the body.
• Researchers measure nitrogen balance to
study synthesis, degradation and excretion of
protein.
• Protein has many important functions in the
body.
• Protein can be used for energy if needed; its
excesses are stored as fat.
• The study of proteins is called proteomics.
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Proteins in the Body
• Protein Synthesis
Synthesis is unique for each human being
and is determined by the amino acid
sequence.
Delivering the instructions through
messenger RNA
• Carries a code to the nuclear membrane and
attaches to ribosomes
• Presents a list to make a strand of protein
Transfer RNA lines up the amino acids and
brings them to the messenger
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© 2008 Thomson - Wadsworth
Proteins in the Body
• Protein Synthesis
Sequencing errors can cause altered
proteins to be made.
An example is sickle-cell anemia where an
incorrect amino acid sequence interferes
with the cell’s ability to carry oxygen.
Nutrients and Gene Expression - Cells
regulate gene expression to make the type
of protein needed for that cell.
• Epigenetics refers to a nutrient’s ability to activate
or silence genes without interfering with the
genetic sequence.
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© 2008 Thomson - Wadsworth
Proteins in the Body
• Roles of Proteins
Building Materials for Growth and
Maintenance
• A matrix of collagen is filled with minerals to
provide strength to bones and teeth.
• Replaces tissues including the skin, hair, nails,
and GI tract lining
Enzymes are proteins that facilitate anabolic
(building up) and catabolic (breaking down)
chemical reactions.
Hormones regulate body processes and
some hormones are proteins. An example is
insulin.
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© 2008 Thomson - Wadsworth
B
A
A
B
New
compound
A B
Enzyme
Enzyme
Enzyme
Stepped Art
Fig. 6-9, p. 190
Proteins in the Body
• Roles of Proteins
Regulators of Fluid Balance
• Plasma proteins attract water
• Maintain the volume of body fluids to
prevent edema which is excessive fluid
• Maintain the composition of body fluids
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Proteins in the Body
• Roles of Proteins
Acid-Base Regulators
• Act as buffers by keeping solutions acidic or
alkaline
• Acids are compounds that release hydrogen ions
in a solution.
• Bases are compounds that accept hydrogen ions
in a solution.
• Acidosis is high levels of acid in the blood and
body fluids.
• Alkalosis is high levels of alkalinity in the blood
and body fluids.
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Proteins in the Body
• Roles of Proteins
Transporters
• Carry lipids, vitamins, minerals and
oxygen in the body
• Act as pumps in cell membranes,
transferring compounds from one side of
the cell membrane to the other
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© 2008 Thomson - Wadsworth
Proteins in the Body
• Roles of Proteins
Antibodies
• Fight antigens, such as bacteria and viruses, that
invade the body
• Provide immunity to fight an antigen more quickly
the second time exposure occurs
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Proteins in the Body
• Roles of Proteins
Source of energy and glucose if
needed
Other Roles
• Blood clotting by producing fibrin which
forms a solid clot
• Vision by creating light-sensitive
pigments in the retina
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Proteins in the Body
• A Preview of Protein Metabolism
Protein Turnover and the Amino Acid Pool
• Protein turnover is the continual making and
breaking down of protein.
• Amino acid pool is the supply of amino acids that
are available.
Amino acids from food are called
exogenous.
Amino acids from within the body are called
endogenous.
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Proteins in the Body
• A Preview of Protein Metabolism
Nitrogen Balance
• Zero nitrogen balance is nitrogen
equilibrium, when input equals output.
• Positive nitrogen balance means nitrogen
consumed is greater than nitrogen
excreted.
• Negative nitrogen balance means
nitrogen excreted is greater than
nitrogen consumed.
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Proteins in the Body
• A Preview of Protein Metabolism
Using Amino Acids to Make Proteins or Nonessential
Amino Acids – Cells can assemble amino acids into
the protein needed.
Using Amino Acids to Make Other Compounds
• Neurotransmitters are made from the amino acid
tyrosine.
• Tyrosine can be made into the melanin pigment
or thyroxine.
• Tryptophan makes niacin and serotonin.
Using Amino Acids for Energy and Glucose
• There is no readily available storage form of
protein.
• Breaks down tissue protein for energy if needed
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Proteins in the Body
• A Preview of Protein Metabolism
Deaminating Amino Acids
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•
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Nitrogen-containing amino groups are removed.
Ammonia is released into the bloodstream.
Ammonia is converted into urea by the liver.
Kidneys filter urea out of the blood.
Using Amino Acids to Make Fat
• Excess protein is deaminated and converted into
fat.
• Nitrogen is excreted.
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Protein in Foods
• Eating foods of high-quality protein is the
best assurance to get all the essential
amino acids.
• Complementary proteins can also supply
all the essential amino acids.
• A diet inadequate in any of the essential
amino acids limits protein synthesis.
• The quality of protein is measured by its
amino acid content, digestibility, and ability
to support growth.
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Protein in Foods
• Protein Quality
Digestibility
• Depends on protein’s food source
– Animal proteins are 90-99% absorbed.
– Plant proteins are 70-90% absorbed.
– Soy and legumes are 90% absorbed.
• Other foods consumed at the same time
can change the digestibility
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Protein in Foods
• Protein Quality
Amino Acid Composition
• The liver can produce nonessential amino acids.
• Cells must dismantle to produce essential amino
acids if they are not provided in the diet.
• Limiting amino acids are those essential amino
acids that are supplied in less than the amount
needed to support protein synthesis.
Reference Protein is the standard by which
other proteins are measured.
• Based on their needs for growth and
development, preschool children are used to
establish this standard.
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Protein in Foods
• Protein Quality
High-Quality Proteins
• Contains all the essential amino acids
• Animal foods contain all the essential amino
acids.
• Plant foods are diverse in content and tend to be
missing one or more essential amino acids.
Complementary Proteins
• Combining plant foods that together contain all
the essential amino acids
• Used by vegetarians
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© 2008 Thomson - Wadsworth
Protein in Foods
• Protein Quality
A Measure of Protein Quality PDCAAS (protein digestibilitycorrected amino acid score)
• Compares amino acid composition of a
protein to human amino acid
requirements
• Adjusts for digestibility
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Protein in Foods
• Protein Regulation for Food Labels
List protein quantity in grams
% Daily Values is not required but
reflects quantity and quality of
protein using PDCAAS.
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Health Effects and Recommended
Intakes of Protein
• Protein deficiency and excesses can be
harmful to health.
• Protein deficiencies arise from proteindeficient diets and energy-deficient
diets.
• This is a worldwide malnutrition
problem, especially for young children.
• High-protein diets have been implicated
in several chronic diseases.
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Health Effects and Recommended
Intakes of Protein
• Protein-Energy Malnutrition (PEM) –
also called protein-kcalorie
malnutrition (PCM)
Classifying PEM
• Chronic PEM and acute PEM
• Maramus, kwashiorkor, or a combination
of the two
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Health Effects and Recommended
Intakes of Protein
• PEM
Marasmus
• Infancy, 6 to 18 months of age
• Severe deprivation or impaired
absorption of protein, energy, vitamins
and minerals
• Develops slowly
• Severe weight loss and muscle
wasting, including the heart
• < 60% weight-for-age
• Anxiety and apathy
• Good appetite is possible
• Hair and skin problems
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Health Effects and Recommended
Intakes of Protein
• PEM
Kwashiorkor
• Older infants and young children,
18 months to 2 years of age
• Inadequate protein intake,
infections
• Rapid onset
• Some muscle wasting, some fat
retention
• Growth is 60-80% weight-for-age
• Edema and fatty liver
• Apathy, misery, irritability and
sadness
• Loss of appetite
• Hair and skin problems
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Health Effects and Recommended
Intakes of Protein
• PEM
Marasmus-Kwashiorkor Mix
• Both malnutrition and infections
• Edema of kwashiorkor
• Wasting of marasmus
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Health Effects and Recommended
Intakes of Protein
• PEM
Infections
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Lack of antibodies to fight infections
Fever
Fluid imbalances and dysentery
Anemia
Heart failure and possible death
Rehabilitation
• Nutrition intervention must be cautious, slowly
increasing protein.
• Programs involving local people work better.
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Health Effects and Recommended
Intakes of Protein
• Health Effects of Protein
Heart Disease
• Foods high in animal protein also tend to
be high in saturated fat.
• Homocysteine levels increase cardiac
risks.
• Arginine may protect against cardiac
risks.
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Health Effects and Recommended
Intakes of Protein
• Health Effects of Protein
Cancer
• A high intake of animal protein is
associated with some cancers.
• Is the problem high protein intake or
high fat intake?
Adult Bone Loss (Osteoporosis)
• High protein intake associated with
increased calcium excretion.
• Inadequate protein intake affects bone
health also.
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Health Effects and Recommended
Intakes of Protein
• Health Effects of Protein
Weight Control
• High-protein foods are often high-fat foods.
• Protein at each meal provides satiety.
• Adequate protein, moderate fat and sufficient
carbohydrate better support weight loss.
Kidney Disease
• High protein intake increases the work of the
kidneys.
• Does not seem to cause kidney disease
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Health Effects and Recommended
Intakes of Protein
• Recommended Intakes of Protein
10-35% energy intake
Protein RDA
• 0.8 g/kg/day
• Assumptions
– People are healthy.
– Protein is mixed quality.
– The body will use protein efficiently.
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Health Effects and Recommended
Intakes of Protein
• Recommended Intakes of Protein
Adequate Energy
• Must consider energy intake
• Must consider total grams of protein
Protein in abundance is common in
the U.S. and Canada.
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Health Effects and Recommended
Intakes of Protein
• Protein and Amino Acid Supplements
Many reasons for supplements
Protein Powders have not been found
to improve athletic performance.
• Whey protein is a waste product of
cheese manufacturing.
• Purified protein preparations increase the
work of the kidneys.
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Health Effects and Recommended
Intakes of Protein
• Protein and Amino Acid Supplements
Amino Acid Supplements are not
beneficial and can be harmful.
• Branched-chain amino acids provide little
fuel and can be toxic to the brain.
• Lysine appears safe in certain doses.
• Tryptophan has been used experimentally
for sleep and pain, but may result in a
rare blood disorder.
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Nutritional Genomics
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Nutritional Genomics
• In the future, genomics labs may be
used to analyze an individual’s genes
to determine what diseases the
individual may be at risk for
developing.
• Nutritional genomics involves using a
multidisciplinary approach to
examine how nutrition affects genes
in the human genome.
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A Genomics Primer
• Human DNA contains 46 chromosomes
made up of a sequence of nucleotide
bases.
• Microarray technology is used to analyze
gene expression.
• Nutrients are involved in activating or
suppressing genes without altering the
gene itself.
• Epigenetics is the study of how the
environment affects gene expression.
• The benefits of activating or suppressing a
particular gene are dependent upon the
gene’s role.
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© 2008 Thomson - Wadsworth
Cell
1. Nucleus
2. Chromosome
4.
Gene
3. DNA
4.
Stepped Art
Fig. H6-1, p. 208
Genetic Variation and
Disease
• Small differences in individual genomes
• May affect a disease’s ability to respond to
dietary modifications
• Nutritional genomics would allow for
personalization of recommendations.
• Single-Gene Disorders
Mutations cause alterations in single genes.
Phenylketonuria is a single-gene disorder
that can be affected by nutritional
intervention.
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Genetic Variation and
Disease
• Multigene Disorders
Multiple genes are responsible for the
disease.
Heart disease is a multigene disorder that is
also influenced by environmental factors.
Genomic research may be helpful in guiding
treatment choices.
Variations called single nucleotide
polymorphisms (SNPs) may influence an
individual’s ability to respond to dietary
therapy.
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Clinical Concerns
• An increased understanding of the human
genome may impact health care by:
Increasing knowledge of individual disease
risks
Individualizing treatment
Individualizing medications
Increasing knowledge of nongenetic causes
of disease
• Some question the benefit of identifying
individual genetic markers.
• Even if specific recommendation can be
made based on genes, some may choose
not to follow recommendations.
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