1.5 Proteins & Nucleic acids Flashcards
Protein definition
A large molecule that consists of many amino acid subunits that are joined together by peptide bonds folded into a specific 3D shape
Nucleic acid definition
A blueprint for proteins that are synthesized in cells; stores hereditary information
All proteins are _________ that are composed of amino acid ________.
polymers; monomers
Amino acid definition
A molecule that contains a carboxyl group and an amino group; serves as the monomer subunit of proteins
Attached to the central carbon atom (beside the amino acid) is a variable side group, called an ___ ______, which gives each amino acid its distinct _____________.
R group; characteristics
There are __ different amino acid side groups, or ___ _____, ranging from a single hydrogen atom to complex carbon chains or rings
20; R groups
The one exception to the 20 different amino acid groups is the amino acid ______, which has a ring structure that includes the ______ and central carbon atoms.
proline; nitrogen
Among the polar side groups in amino acids, some carry a positive or negative _______ and
others act as _____ or _____.
charge; acids; bases
Many of the amino acid side groups contain a _______ functional group, such as -NH2, -OH,
-COOH, or -SH, which may interact with atoms located elsewhere in the same protein or with molecules and ions located ______ the protein.
reactive; outside
With few exceptions, all proteins in living things are an assembly of various numbers and
_________ of 20 different amino acids.
combinations
___ of these amino acids are considered
essential for humans because they can only be obtained from our ____. The rest can
be synthesized by the _____.
8; diet; cells
________ proteins provide much of the supportive framework of the cells
Structural
Defensive proteins called _________, which are found in the human body, help to fight off ________.
antibodies; infections
Hormones and other messenger chemicals in the cell are ______ proteins.
signal
Special proteins called ________ are largely responsible for making almost every __________ reaction possible. They _______ up the rate of chemical reactions.
enzymes; biochemical; speed
Structural protein function and example
Framework support
e.g. hair, tendons, and ligaments
Defensive protein function and example
Infection fighters
e.g. antibodies
Signal protein function and example
Messenger
e.g. hormones
Carrier protein function and example
Transport of materials
e.g. hemoglobin
Recognition and receptor protein function and example
Cellular markers
e.g. major histocompatibility complex
Enzyme protein function and example
Catalyst
e.g. amylase
Motile protein function and example
Movement
e.g. actin and myosin
Peptide bond definition
A covalent bond that links many amino acids into chains of subunits that make proteins.
Peptide bonds are formed by a ________ _______ reaction between the -NH2 group of one amino acid and the -COOH group of a second amino acid
dehydration; synthesis