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Medicine LibreTexts

6: Protein

  • Page ID
    39935
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    Learning Objectives

    After completing this unit, you should be able to:

    1. Describe the basic chemical structure of all amino acids, and understand the difference between essential and non-essential amino acids.
    2. Describe how proteins are formed from amino acids and name the four levels of structural organization of proteins. Appreciate how the structure of a protein is vital to its function.
    3. Describe and give examples of the wide variety of different functions of proteins in the body.
    4. Define the guidelines for protein intake, and identify food sources of protein in the diet, distinguishing between complete and incomplete proteins.
    5. Trace the steps of protein digestion and absorption through the gastrointestinal tract, and discuss how absorbed amino acids are used by the body.
    6. Identify the health consequences of too little and too much dietary protein.
    7. Discuss the environmental and public health consequences of protein choices, and identify ways to make more sustainable choices.


    This page titled 6: Protein is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Alice Callahan, Heather Leonard, & Tamberly Powell (OpenOregon) .

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