13: Amino Acids and DNA Flashcards
Name the functional groups in an amino acid
Amine and carboxylic acid
What is a zwitterion?
The ability of an ion to be both positive and negative.
Why do zwitterions dissolve well in water?
They are ionic
If you add an amino acid to a solution with a high pH, what will the ion look like?
A H is lost from the carboxyl group, leaving COO-
If you add an amino acid to a solution with a low pH, what will the ion look like?
A H is added to the NH2, forming NH3+
Describe how dipeptides are formed.
Condensation reaction between 2 amino acids, eliminates water
Give the conditions for hydrolysis of dipeptides.
Dipeptide boiled in HCl for 24 hours and water is added
What bonds are present in the secondary protein structure?
Hydrogen
What bonds present in the tertiary protein structure?
Disulfide bridge, ionic, hydrogen
Where do hydrogen bonds form between bases?
Between the NH groups and C=O groups
What is cancer?
Uncontrolled cell division leads to tumours
Name a drug used to treat cancer.
Cisplatin
How does cisplatin treat cancer?
Binds to 2 different guanine groups on the bases of DNA which distorts shape of DNA and prevents replication of cells
Name the reaction that takes place between cisplatin and guanine.
Ligand substitution
Describe the structure and shape of cisplatin.
Pt bonds to 2 Cl and 2 NH3 groups, square planar shape
