Chapter 21, Problem 4A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The role of fibrous and globular proteins in the body must be explained along with the general structures of these two types of proteins.

Concept Introduction:

Human body contains different proteins with different structures. Two common types of proteins are fibrous and globular proteins.

Answer to Problem 4A

Fibrous proteins form hair, nail, teeth, tendon, bones, skin etc.

Globular proteins carry oxygen in cells and removes carbon dioxide. Many enzymes perform biochemical reactions in our body.

Explanation of Solution

Fibrous proteins have net like structure. One such example is α-Keratin which is a major component of hair, nail, teeth, bones, tendon, skin etc.

Some fibrous proteins like fibrin helps in blood coagulation.

Globular proteins are spherical in shape. One example is hemoglobin which carries oxygen to every cell and removes the carbon dioxide.

Enzymes are globular protein like insulin. This participates in glucose metabolism.