Final answer:
Proteins are polymers composed of amino acids linked by amide bonds. They perform a vast array of functions in the body, determined by their amino acid sequence and three-dimensional structure. These include acting as enzymes, structural components, or storage molecules.
Step-by-step explanation:
Proteins as Polymers
Proteins are polymers composed of long chains of amino acids. Amino acids, the monomers of proteins, are linked together by amide bonds to form a chain. This turns them into a polyamide biochemical, which we commonly refer to as a protein. These polymers are critical for various cellular functions and play a pivotal role in the structure and operation of living organisms. Proteins are made up of a sequence of 20 different amino acids, each with a central carbon atom, an amino group (NH2), a carboxyl group (COOH), and a variable side chain unique to each amino acid. The possible permutations of these amino acids result in the plethora of protein types and functions we see in nature, from structural support in tissues to catalyzation of biochemical reactions as enzymes.
Functions and Structure of Proteins
Proteins can function as enzymes, structural components, storage molecules, and play many other roles within a cell. Their specific sequence of amino acids and the way in which they fold determines their function. Short chains of amino acids are known as polypeptides, and when these polypeptides fold into a specific three-dimensional shape, they function as a protein. This molecular shape can result in either fibrous or globular forms, which are instrumental in contributing to cellular and structural integrity, such as in tendons, bones, and muscles.