Final answer:
Different protein functions can be classified as needed to make body components, hormones, contributing to immune function, maintaining fluid balance, and providing satiety. For example, insufficient protein can lead to growth stunting, while proteins like insulin manage glucose uptake, and proteins in the diet can enhance immune response and fluid balance, as well as provide a feeling of fullness.
Step-by-step explanation:
Proteins are essential macromolecules that serve a variety of functions in the human body, from structure and repair to acting as enzymes and hormones. They are composed of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. The different functions of proteins can be categorized into specific classifications. Here is how the case study situations correspond to protein function classifications:
- Needed to Make Body Components: Annie's 3-year-old son, who has low weight and height due to a lack of protein-rich foods, falls into this category.
- Needed to Make Certain Hormones: When Charlie's pancreas secretes insulin after a meal to help glucose enter his cells, this corresponds to proteins functioning as hormones.
- Contributes to Immune Function: Melissa's frequent ear and skin infections suggest a protein function in immune response due to possible protein deficiency in her diet.
- Maintains Fluid Balance: Louisa has edema in her lower legs and feet, which is related to proteins helping regulate fluid-electrolyte balance.
- Provides Satiety: Bill experiences a sense of fullness after eating protein-rich foods, which illustrates proteins' role in providing satiety and regulating appetite.