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Proteins are made of long chains of [amino acids][https://www.expii.com/t/amino-acids-7620] that are folded into a specific shape, called the protein structure or conformation. The types of amino acids and the way the chains are folded give proteins their unique functions.
Because there are dozens of types of amino acids, proteins have a diverse set of shapes and functions. These functions include providing cell structure, catalyzing chemical reactions, transporting molecules, and transmitting signals.