30. Amino acids, proteins ans DNA Flashcards
What two functional groups do amino acids contain
- Carboxyllic acid
- Primary amine
How many naturally occuring amino acids are there
20
Why are naturally occuring amino acids called alpha-amino acids
The amine group is on the carbon next to the COOH group
What can amino acids act as
Either an acid or a base
What in an amino acid can act as an acid
The carboxylic acid group has a tendency to lose a proton (act as an acid)
What in an amino acid can act as as a base
The amine group has a tendency to accept a proton (act as base)
What is a zwitterion
Ions that have both a permanent negative and positive charge, though the compound is neutral overall.
Amino acids are ionic, what does this mean
They have high melting points and they dissolve well in water but not in non-polar solvents
What is amide linkage (peptide links)
When one amine group of one amino acid can react with the carboxylic acid group of another to form an amide linkage -CONH-
What is the primary structure of a protein
A polypeptide chain, amino acids with amide linkage
What is eliminated as each link of the chain is formed
A water molecule
What type of polymers are polypeptides/proteins
Condensation polymers
What happens when a protein in hydrolised
The peptided bonds are broken and the protein is broken into its constituent amino acids
What are the bonds that hold together a protein
- Hydrogen bonds
- Ionic bonds
- Disulphide bridges
