Amino acids Flashcards
What is the general formula for an amino acid?
NH2 - CHR - COOH
What is a zwitter ion?
Ions that have both a positive and a negative charge on the same entity.
What charge do zwitter ions have?
No charge they are neutral.
How many naturally occurring amino acids are there?
20
what would two amino acids react together to form?
Amide
What is the bonding in a peptide linkage?
Covalent
Name two shapes produced by protein chains.
Helixes and pleated sheets
What is thin-layer chromatography?
Similar to paper chromatography. Each amino acid lags behind the solvent front to an extent that depends on its affinity for the solvent compared to its affinity for the stationary phase. Add developing agent ninhydrin / UV light. Amino acids seperate if solvent is suitable.
What does stereospecific mean?
Sensitive to the exact shape of the substrate molecule.
What is cisplatin?
A successful treatment for a number of cancers by bonding two two of the bases in DNA and displaces the two chloride ligands.
How do amino acids act as an acid?
The carboxylic acid group loses a proton.
How do amino acids act as a base?
The amine group gains a proton.
What happens in strongly acidic conditions?
The amino group is protonated.
What happens in strongly alkaline conditions?
The carboxylic acid group is deprotonated.
Why would heating at a too high temperature deform a woolen garment?
The hydrogen bonds would break.
