Proteins are large, complex molecules made up of amino acids. They are essential for the structure, function, and regulation of the body's tissues and organs. Enzymes, hormones, and antibodies are all proteins. The building blocks of proteins are 20 different amino acids, which are linked by peptide bonds. The sequence and structure of amino acids determine a protein’s shape and function. Protein synthesis occurs in ribosomes, guided by mRNA during the process called translation