Amino Acids Flashcards
What is the lifespan of proteins?
2-3 days
List functions of proteins ( 10)
- Catalysis and metabolism
- Cytoskeleton
- Cellular transport
- Receptors
- Hormones
- Contractility and healing
- Replication
- Immunity
- Adhesion and migration
- Cell communication
What carbon are AA composed of?
Alpha carbon - it is asymmetric
Alpha amino acid is the basic building block
Name the groups AAs are composed of
Amine group - NH2
Acid group - COOH
R group - specific for each AA
What is the simplest amino acid
Glycine NH2 - CH2 - COOH
The r group is H
Name 7 nonpolar, aliphatic AA
Glycine, alanine, proline valine, leucin, isoleucine, methionine
Name 5 polar AA
Serine, threonine, cysteine, asparagine, glutamine
Name 3 aromatic AA
Phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan (has a indole ring)
What is the alpha carbon covalently bonded to?
Amine group, carboxyl group, hydrogen, side chain R group
Between which elements does a peptide bond (amine linkage) occur?
Carbon and nitrogen
Name 3 positively charged AA
Lysine,arginine,histidine
Name 2 negatively charged AA
Aspartate, glutamate
What are stereoisomer configurations
2 distinct configurations for all AA ( except glycine) due to functional groups being able to rotate around the alpha carbon
Name the possible stereoisomer configurations
Levo stereoisomer - left
Dexter stereoisomer - right
They are non-superimposable mirror images of each other
What is the RS system
Describes the absolute special configuration of an AA
Name 2 types in the RA system
Sinister (‘left’) - arrangement of groups around thealphacarbon is counterclockwise
Rectus (‘right’) - clockwise direction
Name the functions of valine
Used in muscle metabolism activity, balances nitrogen
Name the function alanine and glutamate have incommon
Vital in metabolism of glucose
Name the function of glycine
Improves glycogen storage
Name a function cysteine, glutamate, and methionine have in common
Breakdown and burning of fat
Name threonine’s function
Prevents fat buildup in the liver
Name lysine’s function
Ensures calcium absorption and helps maintain nitrogen balance
What is 4 - hydroxyproline responsible for?
Plant cell wall and collagen synthesis
What is 5-hydroxylysine responsible for?
Collagen synthesis
