Protein and fat are two of the body's most important nutrients, and you need relatively large amounts to grow and develop properly. Some types of protein and fat are naturally produced by the human body in a process known as synthesis. However, other proteins and fats cannot be synthesized by the human body and must be obtained from dietary sources.
Protein Synthesis
Your body's DNA, which is received at conception, already provides the materials needed for protein synthesis. Each of your body's cells has unique DNA and uses genetic material to produce proteins. Cells use genes as a pattern for proteins and use the pattern to make messenger RNA, or mRNA. The mRNA then attaches itself to ribosomes on the outside of cells, where it signals thousand of transfer RNA, or tRNAs, to gather stored amino acids and bring them back to the mRNA. After the amino acids are transferred to the ribosome, they are synthesized into a long chain, which forms a protein.
Fat Synthesis
Fat synthesis is also known as lipogenesis and takes place in the liver and adipose tissue. Lipogenesis requires glucose, the body's main energy source, as well as building blocks, which are made out of acetyl CoA. Acetyle CoA is supplied by stored fatty acids, some amino acids and alcohol. Hormones also play an important role in lipogenesis. Growth hormone, insulin and leptin are a few of the most important hormones in fat synthesis. As noted in EMBO Reports, insulin increases the amount of glucose that is stored by cells, which increases the rate of fat production.
Essential Amino Acids
Some amino acids and fats cannot be synthesized by the body. Protein sources that contain these amino acids, which are referred to as essential amino acids, are called perfect proteins. As noted by Medline Plus, alanine, asparagine, aspartic acid and glutamic acid are all nonessential amino acids, which means that the body can synthesize them on its own. Histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine are essential amino acids and must be obtained from dietary sources.
Essential Fatty Acids
Like essential amino acids, essential fatty acids must also be obtained from the diet. Omega-3 fatty acids, also known as linolenic acid, and omega-6 fatty acids, also called linoleic acid, are the most important essential fatty acids. Although omega-6 fatty acids are common in the average American diet, omega-3 fatty acids are found in fewer foods, many of which are not commonly consumed. Fish and flaxseed are both excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are known for their cardiovascular health benefits and may reduce the risk of heart disease, as noted by Creighton University Medical Center.
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