There are many roles of protein in the body. Which answer below is NOT a role of protein in the body?
Group of answer choices
Proteins help maintain fluid balance in the body
All of the above are roles of protein in the body
Large proteins called antibodies cause infectious invasions in the body
Some of the body’s hormones are made from amino acids (proteins)
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is: Large proteins called antibodies cause infectious invasions in the body.
Proteins play a wide range of essential roles in the body, but the statement that antibodies cause infectious invasions is incorrect. Instead, antibodies are crucial in the immune response as they help protect the body from infections. They are proteins produced by the immune system to identify and neutralize foreign invaders such as bacteria, viruses, and toxins. Rather than causing infections, antibodies act as a defense mechanism.
Here’s a breakdown of the roles of protein in the body:
- Maintaining fluid balance: Proteins, especially albumin in the blood, help regulate the balance of fluids between different body compartments. They achieve this by maintaining osmotic pressure, which helps keep the fluid in the bloodstream and prevents it from leaking into surrounding tissues. This helps in preventing conditions like edema (swelling caused by fluid retention).
- Hormone production: Some hormones are made from amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. For example, insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels, is a protein hormone. Other hormones, like growth hormone and thyroid hormone, also have protein components. These hormones play essential roles in metabolism, growth, and regulation of various bodily functions.
- Immune system function: As mentioned earlier, antibodies are proteins that help protect the body against infections. When the immune system detects pathogens, it produces antibodies that recognize and bind to these invaders, marking them for destruction by other immune cells. This process is critical for fighting off diseases.
In summary, proteins are integral to various bodily functions, including fluid balance, hormone production, and immune defense. However, antibodies serve a protective function, not a harmful one in the context of infections.