Amino Acid Basics

Question 1

Two Categories of Protein Function

Answer 1

1. Dynamic Functions

2. Structural Functions

Question 2

Dynamic Functions

Answer 2

Globular Proteins, spherical

Ex: transport, gene expression, catalysis of chemical transformation, protection, metabolic control, contraction

Question 3

Structural Functions

Answer 3

Fibrous, elongated

-tissue formation

Question 4

Central Dogma

Answer 4

All genetic info is carried in DNA

DNA is transcribed to mRNA which can be read based on triplet codons in a specific AA which allow translation of mRNA into particular protein

(Replication–DNA–transcription–RNA–translation—PROTEIN)

Question 5

5 basic structural elements of an amino acid

Answer 5

1. Central Carbon (alpha)
2. Alpha-carbonyl group
3. Alpha-amino group
4. H
5. Variable side chain

Question 6

Zwitterion

Answer 6

Both positive and negative ions exist in same compound, net is neutral

Question 7

PKa of amino group of an amino acid

Answer 7

PKa ~ 9

Question 8

PKa of carboxyl group of an amino acid

Answer 8

PKa ~ 2

Question 9

Henderson Hasselbalch Equation

Answer 9

pH= PKa + log ([Cong. Base]/[A])

Question 10

PH

Answer 10

Protonated form exists

Question 11

PH > PKa

Answer 11

The group loses its proton to the solution

Question 12

PH=PKa

Answer 12

[protonated form]= [deprotonated form]

Question 13

Configuration of Proteins

Answer 13

Proteins exist in the L-configuration

Clockwise with COO- at the top of the pyramid

Question 14

PH AND PK MNEMONIC

Answer 14

When PH is ABOVE PK, H+ tells the solution HAAAAY.

But When PH is BELOW, H+ tells solution NO!