The body has specialized organs, such as the heart, liver and kidneys. The organs are made up of tissues, which are made up of trillions of cells. Each cell has a copy of DNA that codes for the creation of proteins. It does so by specifying the...
Your body contains thousands of genes, which code for thousands of different proteins. Each protein, which is made up of a sequence of amino acids, contributes to the structure or function of your cells by supporting your metabolism, promoting...
The protein in a whole egg provides you with the best mixture of all the essential amino acids for maintaining optimal nitrogen balance in your body. Your body is unable to make essential amino acids, so you must consume such acids in the foods...
Proteins are complex, versatile building blocks of biological systems that can act as enzyme components or components of cellular structure. Protein solutions are separated and analyzed for a variety of reasons, such as investigation of the...
A protein is a biochemical compound required by your body to function properly and maintain optimal health. A low-protein diet can result in a protein deficiency that leads to muscle loss, hair loss, a lack of energy and other health problems. If...
Cysteine is an amino acid with the chemical formula C3H7NO2S. It is one of two amino acids that contain sulfur. Cysteine is a nonessential amino acid, meaning the human body is capable of synthesizing it and does not need to obtain it from outside...
Lactose, a sugar that occurs naturally in milk and milk products is difficult to digest for approximately 30 to 50 million Americans. If you are lactose intolerant, you have probably experienced the bloating and abdominal discomfort that goes...
Proteins are complex biological molecules, made up of many amino acids linked together. When you eat a protein-containing food, your digestive system breaks the protein down into its individual amino acids, and your body uses this supply of amino...
Whey powder is a high quality form of protein, derived from cow's milk, according to the Whey Protein Institute website. Milk consists of two proteins, called casein and whey. Casein makes up 80 percent of the protein structure, and whey protein...
The 22 amino acids -- nine essential and 13 non-essential -- are the building blocks of protein. Amino acids bind together in a virtually unlimited number of configurations to form the structure of the many different proteins in your food, body...
Raw foods can be healthier than cooked foods simply because nutrients can be lost through the cooking process. On the other hand, heat makes some nutrients more easily absorbed by the body. This leads to opposing opinions on whether foods are...
Proteases are enzymes that catalyze the breakdown of proteins. Protein breakdown is a normal process necessary to maintain cellular homeostasis. Active proteases can be found throughout your body, including the digestive tract, inside cells and...
A protein is a type of compound that makes up linear chains of amino acids. Metabolism breaks down proteins into amino acids to become the building blocks of muscle. The most basic molecules of proteins are hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen and oxygen....
Amino acids are the building blocks for the proteins, enzymes, hormones and neurotransmitters that your body manufactures. All amino acids share a general structure composed of four groups of molecules: a central alpha-carbon with a hydrogen atom,...
In a protein crystal, the molecules occur in a regular, repeating pattern. According to Columbia University's School of Computer Science, the Protein Structure Initiative -- started in 2000 and ongoing as of 2010 -- will determine the structure of...
Unwanted hair can affect your appearance and be physically uncomfortable depending on where the hair is growing on your body. Whether your aim is to be able to wear certain types of clothing or to avoid friction, chafing and drag during...
Amino acids are the molecules used to build body proteins. Essential amino acids come from the foods you eat, while others, called nonessential amino acids, are made by your body. Both types are required to synthesize proteins so you can grow,...
Low density lipoprotein or LDL is a type of cholesterol. It is the most prevalent cholesterol in the body. Cholesterol is an important substance that is found in the membranes of all the cells in your body. It is essential for the proper...
The human digestive tract has the job of breaking large food particles into smaller ones, and chemically breaking large nutritional molecules into smaller parts so that the constituent parts can be absorbed by the digestive tract into the...
Amino acids are small molecules that, when joined together in a long chain and folded into a bundle, create a protein. In nature, 20 different amino acids mix and match to form a wide variety of proteins, whose function depends on the...
When consuming vitamins, there are two types: fat soluble and water soluble. Both of these vitamins are available in food and supplements. Both are important cofactors for enzymes, but they're saved in the body differently. Water-soluble vitamins...
Spinal surgery for lumbar disc herniation can require weeks of recovery and fusion of the spine, which decreases mobility. Laser surgery is performed with a small needle that is placed directly into the damaged disc to decompress it. The...
Depilatory creams contain the active ingredients sodium and calcium thioglycolate. This works to dissolve the protein structure of hair from the surface of skin. The results can last up to two weeks. Depilatory creams are often used on legs,...
Protein is the second most abundant substance in your body, next to water, according to the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. It is found in every part of your body, from your hair and nails to your muscles, bones and organs. It is...
What makes hair curly or straight is determined by the biochemistry of the individual. Hair is made of long strains of proteins called kerotin. The way a person's hair falls ultimately relates her DNA. DNA produces proteins, so the structure of...
A hair relaxer is a product that makes the hair less curly. This process is formally known as lanthionization and may be performed at home or by a cosmetologist. The hair relaxer should be applied close to the scalp for the specific period of time...
Insulin is a hormone that is usually produced by cells within the pancreas. In patients with diabetes, the pancreas is either not producing insulin at all--type 1 diabetes--or is producing some insulin but not enough to prevent dangerous...
Refined sugar is a fundamental component of most cakes, commonly incorporated in the form of granulated, superfine or brown sugar. While it’s possible to replace traditional sugar with artificial sweeteners, you can also use unsweetened...
Proteins perform critically important functions in your body. The cytoskeleton is an internal protein network that maintains cellular shape and physical integrity. Actin and myosin filaments allow your muscles to contract. Hemoglobin transports...
