Proteins
This section
is about
Terms
used to describe digestion and digestive processes
To read about other parts of the digestive system, use the links on the
left-side of this page.
See also glossary pages about
Tissues
and Organs of the
Digestive System
and about
Diseases
and Disorders of the Digestive System
Proteins are a large category of organic compounds formed from the elements
- Carbon (C),
- Hydrogen (H),
- Oxygen (O) and
- Nitrogen,
- and, in some cases, also Sulphur (S) and Phosphorus (P).
There are many different protein molecules - all have complex structures formed by one or more polypeptide chains of linked amino acids.
Why are proteins important?
- Protein is one of the three main parts of the human diet - the others being fat and carbohydrates.
- Proteins are essential as chemical "building-blocks" within the body because they form the material structures of many tissues, muscles and organs.
- Proteins are also important because of their roles regulating bodily functions, enzymes and hormones.
More about the Digestive System:
This section includes pages about:
- Introduction to the Digestive System
- Terminology about Digestion
- Passage through the alimentary tract
- Component Parts of the Digestive System, incl. Teeth, Stomach, Liver, Small Intestine, Large Intestine
- Chemical Processes in the Digestive System (introductory level)
- Diseases and Disorders of the Digestive System
For further information see also our pages of books about gastroenterology.
