Briefly state what happens to a protein molecule from the time it is swallowed to the time it's products are built up into the cytoplasm of a muscle cell?

When a protein molecule is swallowed, it is broken down into its constituent amino acids by enzymes in the stomach and small intestine. These amino acids are then absorbed into the bloodstream and transported to muscle cells. Once inside the muscle cell, the amino acids are used by ribosomes to build new proteins that are needed for muscle growth and repair. These proteins are then incorporated into the cytoplasm of the muscle cell where they carry out their specific functions.

Swallowing:

- Protein molecules are ingested with food.

Digestion:

- In the stomach, gastric acid and enzymes break down protein molecules into smaller peptides.
- In the small intestine, pancreatic enzymes further digest peptides into amino acids.

Absorption:

- Amino acids are absorbed across the intestinal wall into the bloodstream.

Transport:

- Blood carries amino acids to cells throughout the body, including muscle cells.

Protein Synthesis:

- Inside muscle cells, ribosomes use the amino acids to synthesize new proteins according to instructions from DNA.
- The synthesized proteins are used for growth, repair, and maintenance of muscle tissue.