Proteins
Proteins are biological molecules that consist of amino acid chains. They are essential for all living organisms and are important structural components of bones, organs, tendons, ligaments, muscles, skin, etc. There are proteins that work to perform specific tasks in the human body, and some of these are enzymes, antibodies, hemoglobin, hormones, and growth/maintenance. Proteins are made up of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen, and they are found in foods that people eat. There are 20 different amino acids that can make up proteins. 11 of these amino acids are produced by the human body, but the other 9 must be obtained from other sources (food). The 9 amino acids that cannot be naturally produced are called essential amino acids, as they are essential for survival.