Question 4 of 32intermediate🔍 AnalyzeLong Answer5 marks

Find out and make a list of proteins used as therapeutic agents. Find other applications of proteins (e.g., Cosmetics etc.)

Correct Answer

Proteins as Therapeutic Agents:

Based on the context, proteins perform various functions that have therapeutic applications. Enzymes are biocatalysts which speed up reactions in biosystems and are very specific and selective in their action. Chemically, majority of enzymes are proteins, making them important therapeutic agents. Hormones are another category of proteins that carry out important functions in living organisms. Some proteins fight infectious organisms, providing defense mechanisms that can be utilized therapeutically. Additionally, some proteins transport nutrients across cell membrane, performing vital physiological functions.

Other Applications of Proteins:

  1. Structural functions – Proteins perform structural functions in organisms.

  2. Dynamic functions – Proteins carry out dynamic functions in living organisms.

  3. Transport – Some proteins transport nutrients across cell membrane.

  4. Defense – Some proteins fight infectious organisms.

  5. Biocatalysis – Enzymes (proteins) speed up reactions in biosystems.

  6. Nutritional – Dietary proteins are the source of essential amino acids required for health.

Note: The context mentions that proteins are used in cosmetics etc., but specific details about cosmetic applications are not provided in the given text.

Exercise: EXERCISES | Q: 4 | (Page 16)
For More Understanding

Explanation

The question asks students to research therapeutic proteins and other applications. The provided context describes various functional categories of proteins - enzymes (biocatalysts), hormones, transport proteins, and defense proteins that fight infectious organisms. These functional categories indicate potential therapeutic uses. The context explicitly mentions 'Cosmetics etc.' as other applications in the question itself, though specific cosmetic applications are not detailed in the text. Students would need to conduct additional research beyond the textbook for specific examples of therapeutic proteins like insulin, antibodies, etc.

Solution Steps

  1. Step 1: Identify functional categories of proteins from context - enzymes, hormones, transport proteins, defense proteins

  2. Step 2: List these as potential therapeutic agents based on their biological functions

  3. Step 3: List other applications mentioned - structural, dynamic, transport, defense, biocatalysis, nutritional

PreviousNext