2.4 Proteins Flashcards
What is the monomer that forms proteins?
Amino Acids
What is the structure of an amino acid?
Central carbon bound to:
- An amine group (NH2)
- A carboxyl group (COOH)
- A hydrogen atom
- A variable side chain (R)
How many amino acids exist universally?
20
What do we call a chain of amino acids?
Polypeptide
Are polypeptides polar?
They differ in structure, some are some are not
What type of bond holds amino acids together?
(Covalent bonds) called peptide bonds
How are polypeptides broken down?
Hydrolysis
Between which groups do peptide bonds form?
Carboxyl and Amine group
What is the primary structure of amino acid sequences?
The order
What is the secondary structure of amino acid sequences?
How the amino acids are folded
What is the tertiary structure of amino acid sequences?
The overall 3D configuration
What is the quaternary structure of amino acid sequences?
The structure including any other polypeptide strands which may or not be present
What are the two stable configurations of amino acid secondary structures?
Alpha helices
Beta-pleated sheets
Describe alpha helix structure
Amino acids fold in a coil/ spiral arrangement
Describe beta-pleated sheets
Directionally-oriented staggered strand conformation