Amino acids Flashcards
What is the main bond in proteins
Peptide bond
what is the definition of an Amino Acid
Monomers of all proteins, and all amino acids have the same basic structure
describe the structure of an amino acid
-An amine group (-NH2)
-A Carboxyl group (-COOH)
-An R group
-A central carbon atom with a Hydrogen atom above
How many amino acids are “proteinogenic”
20
Why is the R group on an amino acid also called a “Variable side chain”
Because the R group differs in each amino acid
How do amino acids act as a buffer
-When an amino acid is dissolved in water, (-NH2) and (-COOH) ionises.
-Carboxyl group gives an H+ ion, Amine group accepts an H+ ion.
-Therefore, carboxyl acts acidic (Giving up H+) and Amine group acts as a base (accepting H).
-Low pH (lots of H+ ions in solution), amino acid will accept H+.
-High pH (not a lot of H+), the amino acid will release H+.
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what does the term “Amphoteric” mean
An amino acid has acidic and base properties
E.G- ability to act as a buffer with the amine group and carboxyl group
what is the simplest amino acid, with Hydrogen as the variable R Group
Glycerine
which enzymes break peptide bonds during digestion
Protease enzymes
