Aminoacids, peptides and proteins Flashcards
What is an amino acid?
A compound containing both an amine group and a carboxylic acid group
What is an alpha amino acid?
The amine and carboxylic acid group are attached to the same carbon
Which amino acids exhibit optical isomerism?
All except glycine (2-aminoethanoic acid)
Why do amino acids have a very high boiling point?
They naturally exist in their zwitter ion form. This can form ionic bonds which cause the high BP
Why are amino acids amphoteric?
The amine group can act as a base and the carboxylic acid group can act as an acid
Why can amino acids form esters?
The carboxylic acid group can be hydrolysed
What are peptides?
Peptides are formed when multiple amino acids join together via a peptide linkage
What is a peptide linkage?
O=C
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N-H
What are protein polymers?
Polypeptides formed of multiple naturally occurring amino acids
What are the structure of proteins?
1* - A simple sequence of amino acids
2- Proteins fold into alpha helixes or B pleated sheets with hydrogen bonds between them
3 - The protein as a whole coils and folds with respect to each of the other parts
What are condensation polymers?
Monomers joined together to produce a polymer and a small molecule e.g water
How are polyesters formed?
Condensation polymerisation of dioc carboxylic acids and diols
What is terylene formed from?
benzene, 1,4 dicarboxylic acid and ethan-1,2-diol
What is polylactic acid made from?
2-hydroxypropanoic acid (lactic acid)
How are polyamides formed?
Condensation polymerisation of dioc carboxylic acids and diamines
