Proteins are essential biomolecules that are derived from the Greek word "protos" meaning "I occupy". They play important roles in forming living cells, carrying genetic information as nucleoproteins, catalyzing biochemical reactions as enzymes, making up viruses, providing energy, and performing specialized functions such as oxygen transport and hormone activity. Proteins can be classified based on their physical and chemical properties, functions, and structures into categories like simple proteins including albumin, globulin, and globin; compound proteins; and derived proteins.