Proteins are macronutrients formed basically by carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen , although some also contain sulfur and phosphorus. These elements studied by biology (and with related sciences) explain a good part of the functioning of our body, both in terms of movement and, for example, in relation to our mind. However, proteins are present in all kinds of life forms, not only in our species.

Plants synthesize proteins from inorganic nitrogen, but animals, unable to do so, have to incorporate these substances through their diet. The proteins are formed by the union of several amino acids, united by means of peptide bonds.

As these biomolecules are so important for understanding what our body is like, it is useful to know some of the most common or relevant types of proteins for us, and also the amino acids that form them. In this article you will find a brief explanation of these two elements, both amino acids and proteins. Let’s start with the former.

What are Amino Acids

As we have seen, amino acids are the base or raw material of proteins . Basically, they are the raw material from which our whole body is made: muscles, hair, bones, skin and even the brain tissue that produces our thoughts, emotions and consciousness.

Although hundreds of amino acids can be found in nature, only 20 are used in the formation of proteins. These are called: protein amino acids .

The 20 types of protein amino acids

Protein amino acids, also called canonical, perform physiological functions on their own, as is the case with glycine or glutamate, which are neurotransmitters. Below you can find the 20 protein neurotransmitters:

1. Glutamic acid

This amino acid is considered the gasoline of the brain and one of its main functions is to absorb excess ammonia in the body.

2. Alanina

The main task of this amino acid is that is involved in glucose metabolism a.

3. Arginine

It is present in the detoxification process of the organism , in the urea cycle and in the synthesis of creatinine. It also intervenes in the production and release of growth hormone.

4. Asparagine

It is synthesized from aspartic acid, and eliminates, along with glutamine, excess ammonia from the body and intervenes in improving fatigue resistance.

5. Cysteine

It intervenes in the process of eliminating heavy metals from the body and is fundamental in the growth and health of the hair.

6. Phenylalanine

Thanks to this amino acid it is possible to regulate the endorphins that are responsible for the feeling of well-being . It reduces excess appetite and helps to calm the pain.

7. Glycine

It helps the body in the creation of muscle mass , the correct healing, prevents infectious diseases and participates in the correct functioning of the brain.

8. Glutamine

Glutamine is found abundantly in the muscles. This amino acid increases brain function and mental activity and helps solve impotence problems. In addition, it is essential to combat problems with alcohol.

9. Histidine

This amino acid is the precursor of histamine . It is abundantly found in hemoglobin and is necessary for the production of both red and white blood cells.

10. Isoleucine

This amino acid is part of the genetic code and is necessary for our muscle tissue and the formation of hemoglobin. In addition, it helps to regulate blood sugar.

11. Leucine

Like the previous amino acid, it is involved in the formation and repair of muscle tissue and assists in the healing of skin and bones. In addition, it acts as an energy source in high-intensity training and helps to increase the production of growth hormone.

12. Lysine

Together with methionine, synthesizes the amino acid carnitine and is important in the treatment of herpes.

13. Methionine

It is important to prevent some types of edema , high cholesterol and hair loss.

14. Proline

It is responsible for the synthesis of several brain neurotransmitters related to temporary depression and also collaborates in the synthesis of collagen.

15. Serina

It is an amino acid involved in fat metabolism and is a precursor of phospholipids that nourish the nervous system.

16. Bullfighting

Taurine strengthens the heart muscle and prevents heart arrhythmias. It improves vision and prevents macular degeneration.

17. Tyrosine

Tyrosine stands out for its function as a neurotransmitter and can help to relieve anxiety or depression.

18. Threonine

Necessary in the detoxification process and participates in the synthesis of collagen and elastin.

19. Tryptophan

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid, which means that the body itself cannot synthesize it and it has to be obtained through food.It is the precursor of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which is associated with the state of mind. Tryptophan is considered a natural antidepressant and also promotes sleep. It is also a very healthy component and easy to find in healthy diets .

  • You can learn more about this neurotransmitter in this article: “Tryptophan: characteristics and functions of this amino acid”

20. Valina

Like some of the above amino acids, is important for the growth and repair of muscle tissues . In addition, it is also involved in the regulation of appetite.

Essential and non-essential amino acids

Amino acids can be classified into essential and non-essential. The difference between these is that the former cannot be produced by the body and must therefore be ingested through food. The 9 essential amino acids are :

  • Histidine
  • Isoleucine
  • Leucine
  • Lysine
  • Methionine
  • Phenylalanine
  • Threonine
  • Tryptophan
  • Valina

Not all high-protein foods have the same amount of amino acids. The protein with the highest amino acid content is egg protein.

Classification of proteins

Proteins can be classified in different ways . Below you can find the different types of protein.

1. According to their origin

One of the best known classifications is according to origin: animal proteins and vegetable proteins .

1.1. Animal proteins

Animal proteins are, as their name suggests, those that come from animals. For example, proteins from eggs or pork.

1.2. Plant proteins

Vegetable proteins are those that come from vegetables (legumes, wheat flour, nuts, etc.). For example, proteins from soya or peanuts.

2. According to their function

According to their function in our body , proteins can be classified into:

2.1. Hormones

These proteins are secreted by the endocrine glands. Usually transported through the blood, the hormones act as chemical messengers that transmit information from one cell to another.

You can learn more about this type of peptide hormone in our article: “Types of hormones and their functions in the human body”.

2.2. Enzymes or catalysts

These proteins accelerate metabolic processes in the cells, including liver function, digestion or converting glycogen to glucose, etc.

2.3. Structural

Structural proteins, also known as fibrous proteins, are necessary components of our bodies. They include collagen, keratin and elastin. Collagen is found in connective tissue, bone and cartilage as well as elastin. Keratin is a structural part of hair, nails, teeth and skin.

2.4. Defensives

These proteins have an immune or antibody function, keeping bacteria at bay. Antibodies are formed in white blood cells and attack bacteria, viruses, and other dangerous microorganisms.

2.5. Storage

Storage proteins hold mineral ions such as potassium or iron. Their function is important, since, for example, the storage of iron is vital to avoid the negative effects of this substance.

2.6. Transport

One of the functions of proteins is transport within our body, because they carry minerals into the cells. Hemoglobin, for example, carries oxygen from the tissues to the lungs.

2.7. Receivers

These receptors are usually found outside the cells to control the substances that enter the cells. For example, GABAergic neurons contain different protein receptors on their membranes.

2.8. Contractual

They are also known as motor proteins. These proteins regulate the strength and speed of the heart or muscle contractions. For example, myosin.

3. According to their conformation

Conformation is the three-dimensional orientation that the characteristic groups of the protein molecule acquire in space, by virtue of the freedom they have to rotate.

3.1. Fibrous proteins

They consist of polypeptide chains aligned in parallel. Collagen and keratin are examples. They have high shear strength and are insoluble in water and salt solutions. They are the structural proteins.

3.2. Globular proteins

Polypeptide chains that roll up on themselves, resulting in a spherical-type macro structure. They are usually water-soluble and, in general, are the transport proteins

4. According to its composition

Depending on their composition, proteins can be:

4.1. Holoproteins or single proteins

They are mainly made up of amino acids.

4.2. Heteroproteins or conjugated proteins

They are usually composed of a non-amino acid component, and they can be:

  1. Glycoproteins : structure with sugars
  2. Lipoproteins : lipid structure
  3. Nucleoproteins : attached to a nucleic acid. For example, chromosomes and ribosomes.
  4. Metalloproteins : contain in their molecule one or more metal ions. For example: some enzymes.
  5. Hemoproteins or chromoproteins : They have in their structure a heme group. For example: haemoglobin.