Proteins are used to build cells and tissues of the body, and are the basis of all enzymes. Made up of: carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen. A protein molecule is a long chain of amino acids. There are around 20 types of amino acid, and different arrangements → different proteins. The chains are folded, twisted and coiled to make 3D shapes, that allow other molecules to fit into them. The bonds holding the proteins in the shapes are sensitive to temperature and pH, which means they're easily denatured.
They have different functions:
~ structural components of tissues e.g. muscles, tendons
~ hormones e.g. insulin
~ antibodies
~ enzymes