Question

Proteins have a variety of functions within a living cell. Describe at least three of the possible functions of proteins, and explain how proteins can be so diverse when there are only a limited number of different amino acids

Answer 1

Three of the functions of proteins are as antibodies, as enzymes and as messengers. As antibodies, they protect the cells from diseases ie they fight diseases. As enzymes, they regulate the chemical reactions within cells, and thirdly they transmit signals as messengers such as hormones do in co-ordinating biological processes. Proteins are so diverse because of their unique 3-D structures which their polymers form from the 20 amino acids available as their building blocks.