Protein

cells · biology · building blocks

Made from amino acids. Proteins are long chains built from 20 different amino acids that link together like beads on a string. Your genes tell your body which amino acids to use and in what order.

Do almost everything. Proteins work as enzymes to speed up reactions in your body, build muscle and hair, fight infections, carry oxygen in your blood, and help digest food. They're like the worker bees of your body.

Fold into shapes. Once a protein chain is made, it folds up into a specific 3D shape, kind of like origami. This shape is super important because it determines what job the protein can do.

Written in your genes. The DNA in your genes acts like an instruction manual that tells cells exactly how to build each protein. If one instruction is wrong, the protein might not work the way it should.

Build your body. Proteins are in every part of you, from your muscles and skin to your bones and fingernails. Eating protein helps your body repair itself and grow stronger.