prótón

Prótín is a fundamental macronutrient essential for life. It is composed of amino acids, which are often referred to as the building blocks of proteins. These amino acids link together in long chains to form diverse protein structures. Proteins perform a vast array of functions within living organisms, playing critical roles in structural support, enzyme catalysis, transport, and immune defense.

The human body utilizes proteins for muscle building and repair, as well as for the production of hormones and enzymes. Proteins are found in various foods, including meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Dietary protein intake is crucial for growth and development, particularly in children and adolescents, and for maintaining muscle mass in adults.

There are twenty different amino acids commonly found in proteins, nine of which are considered essential amino acids. These essential amino acids cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained through the diet. The specific sequence of amino acids determines the unique three-dimensional structure of a protein, which in turn dictates its function. Denaturation, a process where a protein loses its structure due to heat, acid, or other factors, can impair or abolish its biological activity.