Introduction to chemistry of proteins

The word "Protein" was coined by J.J. Berzelius in 1838 and was derived from the Greek word "Proteios" meaning the ‘first rank’ or primary. So, proteins are the major components of any living organism.

Proteins are natural substances with high molecular weights ranging from 5,000 to many millions. Besides Carbon, Hydrogen and Oxygen, they also contain Nitrogen, and sometimes, Sulfur and Phosphorous.

Protein containing foods are essential for living organism, because they are the most important biological molecules in building up and maintenances of the structure of body, giving as much energy as carbohydrates in the course of metabolism in the body. They are also molecular instruments in which genetic information is expressed in living things.