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protein
[ proh-teen, -tee-in ]
noun
- Biochemistry. any of numerous, highly varied organic molecules constituting a large portion of the mass of every life form and necessary in the diet of all animals and other nonphotosynthesizing organisms, composed of 20 or more amino acids linked in a genetically controlled linear sequence into one or more long polypeptide chains, the final shape and other properties of each protein being determined by the side chains of the amino acids and their chemical attachments: proteins include such specialized forms as collagen for supportive tissue, hemoglobin for transport, antibodies for immune defense, and enzymes for metabolism.
- the plant or animal tissue rich in such molecules, considered as a food source supplying essential amino acids to the body.
- (formerly) a substance thought to be the essential nitrogenous component of all organic bodies.
adjective
- Biochemistry. of the nature of or containing protein.
protein
/ ˈprəʊtiːn /
noun
- any of a large group of nitrogenous compounds of high molecular weight that are essential constituents of all living organisms. They consist of one or more chains of amino acids linked by peptide bonds and are folded into a specific three-dimensional shape maintained by further chemical bonding
protein
/ prō′tēn′ /
- Any of a large class of complex organic chemical compounds that are essential for life. Proteins play a central role in biological processes and form the basis of living tissues. They consist of long chains of amino acids connected by peptide bonds and have distinct and varied three-dimensional structures, usually containing alpha helices and beta sheets as well as looping and folded chains. Enzymes, antibodies, and hemoglobin are examples of proteins.
Derived Forms
- ˌproteinˈaceous, adjective
Other Words From
- pro·tein·a·ceous [proh-tee-, ney, -sh, uh, s, -tee-i-, ney, -], pro·teinic pro·teinous adjective
- non·protein noun
Word History and Origins
Origin of protein1
Word History and Origins
Origin of protein1
A Closer Look
Example Sentences
Cells use repair systems to fix this damage, with specialized proteins locating and binding to the damaged regions.
Within the Sardinia blue zone, one study found centenarians and near-centenarians were more likely to carry a specific form of the gene TAS2R38, which codes for a protein involved in bitter taste response.
An international research team has now developed a method for designing large new proteins better than before and producing them with the desired properties in the laboratory.
Overall, participants reported adding produce, protein, fish and healthy fats to their diets and consuming less alcohol, pasta and other carbohydrates, fried foods, sweets and dairy.
Researchers used stable isotope analyses on each species to determine the nitrogen isotope ratios in the hair of the civets, which would show how much animal protein the civets were eating.
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