Pack back Assignment 7 Forming A Question

Question 1

Do you suspect nutrients such as vitamins and minerals could induce, aggregate, and/or possibly prevent the misfolding of proteins?

In Chapter 4 we learned about the structures of proteins, ultimately leading to the actual folding of a fully-formed protein. It is a meticulous process that may produce misfolded proteins. In diseases such as Alzheimer’s, the ongoing occurrence of protein misfolding results in the deterioration of brain activity, further resulting in memory loss, confusion, delusion, etc.

The brain physically changes as the neurodegenerative disease advances. It has been established that the brain shrinks and develops amyloid plaques, which appear as abnormal clumps, and neurofibrillary tangles, which appear as bundles of fibers.

In one study published in 2011, the accumulation of metals was found in the plaques described. It states, “Within the mature plaques from diseased brains, high concentrations of metals such as Fe, Cu, and Zn are also found…this finding implies that along with protein aggregate accumulation, metals may contribute to [Alzheimer’s] onset and progression.” (DeToma et al., 2011)

How might our diets influence the misfolding of proteins?

Question 2

Vegans must combine amino acids from different sources to form a complete protein, do all the essential amino acids need to be eaten at once or can a ‘complete protein’ be comprised of different meals throughout the day?

Meat is a good source of protein that many people can eat, because vegans don’t eat meat they are more at risk for becoming deficient in essential amino acids. Many vegans try to consume complimentary plant protein sources in the same meal to ensure they’re eating a ‘complete protein’ that has all the essential amino acids.

For example, eating grains and legumes together creates a complete protein. My question is would someone have to eat them at the same time or could they eat them at two different meals and still get the same benefit.

  • The question information should include the below:
  1. What is your question?
  2. Add a Description piece to go along with the question that supports information around your question.
  3. Cite your source by posting a link or typing a book title.