Author: Dr Sachin Kumar
Volume: 01
First Online: 2026
Pages: 99-152
DOI: https://doi.org/10.63785/978-81-685195-3-4/03

Abstract

This chapter describes proteins and enzymes as essential biomolecules responsible for numerous structural, metabolic, and regulatory functions in living organisms. It introduces proteins as polymers of amino acids and explains the structure, classification, and properties of amino acids based on polarity, nutritional requirements, and metabolic fate. The formation of peptide bonds and the four levels of protein organization—primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures—are discussed in relation to protein function. The chapter also classifies proteins according to their biological roles and explains the importance of enzymes as highly specific biological catalysts. In addition, it covers the mechanism of enzyme action, factors affecting enzyme activity, and different types of enzyme inhibition and regulation. Overall, the chapter establishes the biochemical basis of protein function and enzymatic regulation in cellular metabolism.