1&2. Proteins and Cell Membranes Flashcards
What is the SA:V ratio on a small organism?
Large compared to that of larger organsims
Why do most large organisms have a respiratory system?
They have a small SA:V ratio so cannot meet the requirements through diffusion over the surface alone
How can the rate of diffusion be increased?
Large surface area, steep conc gradient, thin exchange surface/short diffusion pathway
How is the mammalian lung adapted for rapid gas exchange?
Alveoli have a large SA, steep concentration gradient which is maintained by ventilation, thin walls and capillaries that run close to the alveoli create a short diffusion pathway so it is rapid
Describe the structure of an amino acid.
Amine group, central carbon with H and R group, carboxyl group
What type of bond holds amino acids together?
Peptide
How is the primary structure of a protein formed?
Individual amino acids join in condensation reactions and are held together by peptide bonds.
Also known as a polypeptide chain
How is the secondary structure of a protein formed and what are its features?
Alpha helices form as a result of the chain twisting and are held in place by hydrogen bonds formed between amine and carboxyl group.
Beta-Pleated sheets form as a result of several chains linking together with hydrogen bonds stabilising the parallel arrangement.
How is the tertiary structure formed?
Interactions between R groups fold the polypeptide chain into a unique 3D shape
What type of bonds maintain the tertiary structure?
Ionic, hydrogen and disulfide
How is the quaternary structure formed?
When several polypeptide chains link together.
What is a globular protein?
The polypeptide chain is folded into a compact spherical shape. Hydrophilic side chains on outside make them soluble.
Enzymes are an example
What is a fibrous protein?
Several polypeptide chain twisted together like a rope and held together by hydrogen bonds and cross links.
They are insoluble
Collagen is an example
What is the purpose of staggered cross links in a fibrous protein?
They hold each strand together and the staggering prevents any weak points along the strand.
What is a cell membrane primarily made up of?
A phospholipid bilayer