* What proteins are made of: Proteins are long chains of amino acids.
* How proteins work: The sequence of amino acids in a protein determines its shape, and the shape determines its function.
* What proteins DO:
* Enzymes: Catalyze (speed up) chemical reactions in the body.
* Structural components: Provide support and structure to cells and tissues (e.g., collagen in bones, keratin in hair).
* Hormones: Act as chemical messengers (e.g., insulin, growth hormone).
* Antibodies: Help the immune system fight off infections.
* Transporters: Carry substances across cell membranes (e.g., hemoglobin carries oxygen).
* Contractile proteins: Allow muscles to contract (e.g., actin and myosin).
Therefore, there's no single "end product" of proteins. Instead, proteins are the "tools" used to build and maintain a healthy body.
