What does protein mean?
Word: Protein
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: Protein means a natural substance in foods such as dal, eggs and milk, which the body needs in order to grow and stay strong.
Word origin: From French proteine and German Protein, both built on the Greek word proteios.
How do you spell protein?
Syllables: pro - tein
Tricky part: This word breaks the old i before e habit: the e comes first, so protien is the slip seen most often.
Watch out for: protien, proteen
Memory tip: Eggs Include protein: the capital letters of that saying give you the order of the two vowels near the end.
Protein in a sentence
Example 1: A bowl of sprouts at breakfast adds plenty of protein to my day.
Example 2: Our sports coach asked us to include some protein in every meal.
Example 3: Soya chunks are a popular source of protein for people who do not eat meat.
Fun Fact
Human hair and nails are made mostly of a tough protein called keratin.
Practise the CREST Way
Spellacadabra
Choose the correct option to make a meaningful word:
pr_tein
a) e
b) u
c) a
d) o
Show answer
d) o. The first syllable has the long o of go.
Sound Check
In which word is 'pro' pronounced differently?
a) proton
b) profile
c) protein
d) product
Show answer
d) product. Product opens with the short o of hot, while protein, profile and proton use the long o of go.
Back to the Roots
Choose the correct option:
Protein comes from the Greek word proteios, which means ___.
a) smooth
b) primary
c) watery
d) milky
Show answer
b) primary. Early chemists saw this substance as a primary building block of living things.
Word Puzzle
Match the words with their meanings:
1. protein 2. calorie 3. mineral a. a natural substance such as iron or calcium b. a nutrient made up of chains of amino acids c. a unit for measuring the energy in food
a) 1-b, 2-c, 3-a
b) 1-b, 2-a, 3-c
c) 1-c, 2-b, 3-a
d) 1-a, 2-c, 3-b
Show answer
a) 1-b, 2-c, 3-a. Amino acids join up to form protein, a calorie measures food energy, and iron and calcium are minerals.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. The best way to add protein to a thali is with ___.
a) a bowl of rajma
b) a glass of lemonade
c) a handful of grapes
d) a plate of lettuce
Show answer
a) a bowl of rajma
2. Athletes often eat extra protein because it helps ___.
a) their eyes focus in bright light
b) their bodies stay cool in the sun
c) their voices stay clear at matches
d) their muscles recover after training
Show answer
d) their muscles recover after training
