2A - Protein Structure And Function Flashcards
protein
A biomacromolecule made of an amino acid chain folded into a 3D shape.
polypeptide
A long chain of amino acids. Proteins can be made of one or many polypeptides.
proteome
All the proteins that are expressed by a cell or organism at a given time.
enzyme
An organic molecule, typically a protein, that catalysis (speeds up) specific reactions.
peptide hormone
A protein signalling molecule that regulates physiology or behaviour.
antibody
A protein produced by plasma cells during the adaptive immune response that is specific to an antigen and combats pathogens in a variety of ways. Also known as immunoglobulin.
carboxyl group
The functional group on amino acid molecules that contains a hydroxyl group (OH) and an oxygen double-bonded to a carbon.
amino group
The functional group on amino acid molecules that is made of one nitrogen and two hydrogens (NH2)
R-group
The variable portion of an amino acid molecule. It can be one of twenty variations and determines the identity of the amino acid.
hydrophobic/non polar
Having a tendency to repel and be insoluble in water.
hydrophilic/polar
Having a tendency to be attracted to and dissolve in water.
monomer
A molecule that is the smallest building block of polymer.
polymer
A large molecule that is made of small, repeated monomer subunits.
condensation reaction
A reaction where two monomers join to form a larger molecule, producing water as a by-product.
peptide bond
The chemical bond linking two amino acids.
primary structure
The first level of protein structure, which refers to the sequence of amino acids in polypeptide chain.
secondary structure
The level of protein structure where the amino acid chain forms either alpha-helices, beta-pleated sheets, or random coils.
tertiary structure
The functional 3D shape of a polypeptide chain.
quaternary structure
The level of protein structure where multiple polypeptide chains bond together, or other non-protein groups are added to form a fully functional protein.
alpha helix
An organised coiled secondary structure of proteins.
beta-pleated sheet
An organised folded secondary structure of proteins
random coil
An irregular secondary structure of proteins that is neither an alpha helix nor a beta-pleated sheet.
disulphide bond
A strong covalent bond occurring between two sulphur atoms.
prosthetic group
A non-protein group bound to a protein. Eg. a vitamin or ion.
biomacromolecule
A large organic molecule, found in organisms. Comprised of smaller subunits.
