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protein

Definition

Proteins are the building blocks of life. They are made up of amino acids, which are joined together in long chains. Proteins are found in all living things, from plants to animals to humans. They are important for many different functions in the body, including:

  • Building and repairing tissues
  • Making enzymes
  • Transporting nutrients
  • Defending the body against infection

Proteins can be found in many different foods, including meat, fish, poultry, eggs, dairy products, beans, and nuts. It is important to eat a variety of protein-rich foods each day to get the nutrients your body needs.

How can the word be used?

Protein is an essential nutrient for humans.

protein

Different forms of the word

Noun: a large molecule consisting of one or more chains of amino acids and forming part of all living cells.

Adjective: relating to protein.

Etymology

The word "protein" comes from the Greek word "proteios", which means "primary" or "of first rank".

The first recorded use of the word "protein" in English was in 1838.

Question

What foods are good sources of protein?