The exact number of protein types in the human body is still being researched, but scientists estimate there are around 20,000. Some studies suggest there might be even more! These proteins perform diverse functions, from metabolic conversions to holding cells together and enabling muscle movement.
The human proteome, which refers to the complete set of proteins expressed by an organism, is incredibly complex. Researchers have proposed estimates ranging from 10,000 to several billion different proteins. This wide range highlights the ongoing challenges in fully characterizing the human proteome.
While the precise number of protein types remains under investigation, it's clear that the human body relies on a vast array of proteins to carry out its essential functions.