Amino acids and proteins

Question 1

Are amino acids L or D-enantiomers?

Answer 1

L-enantiomers (OH on left)

Question 2

Name the 9 essential amino acids

Answer 2

Phenylalanine, Valine, Threonine, Tryptophan, Methionine, Leucine, Isoleucine, Lysine, Histidine

Question 3

What is isomerization?

Answer 3

Changing the shape of an amino acid making them less biologically active

Question 4

What is a buffer?

Answer 4

Solution that resists changes in pH upon addition of acid or base

Question 5

What are the 2 configurations of peptide bonds?

Answer 5

Cis or trans

Question 6

What are the forces involved in protein folding?

Answer 6

• Hydrophobic interaction
• Hydrogen bonds
• Electrostatic attraction
• Metal ion coordination
• Covalent bridges

Question 7

What is the process of protein folding?

Answer 7

Water soluble proteins fold into compact structures with non-polar cores

Question 8

The nitrogen cycle

Answer 8

The fixation of nitrogen from the atmosphere being used and recycled for animal protein and ammonia

Question 9

How is nitrogen converted to amino acids?

Answer 9

Using glutamate and glutamine