B1.2 Proteins Flashcards
What are proteins composed of?
Long chains of recurring monomers called amino acids
Proteins are fundamental macromolecules essential for various biological functions.
What does each amino acid contain?
A central alpha carbon linked to an amine group, carboxyl group, a variable group, and a hydrogen atom
The structure of amino acids is crucial for their function in proteins.
How many different amino acids are there that are universal to all living organisms?
20 different amino acids
These amino acids are the building blocks of proteins in all forms of life.
What differentiates each type of amino acid?
The composition of their variable side chain (denoted ‘R’)
The ‘R’ group determines the unique properties and functions of each amino acid.
What are the three classifications of amino acids based on dietary requirements?
- Essential
- Non-essential
- Conditional
Each classification has implications for dietary intake and health.
What are essential amino acids?
Amino acids that cannot be produced by the body and must be present in the diet
There are nine essential amino acids that must be obtained through food.
What are non-essential amino acids?
Amino acids that can be produced by the body and are not required as part of the diet
These amino acids can be synthesized from other amino acids.
What are conditional amino acids?
Amino acids that can be produced by the body, but at rates lower than certain conditional requirements
They are essential at certain times, such as during pregnancy or illness.
What happens if there is a shortage of one or more essential amino acids in the diet?
It will prevent the production of specific proteins
This can lead to various health issues related to protein deficiency.
What is protein deficiency malnutrition?
A condition caused by a shortage of essential amino acids that affects health
The effects vary depending on which amino acid is deficient.
Why do certain diets, like vegan diets, require particular attention regarding amino acids?
To ensure essential amino acids are consumed and malnutrition is avoided
Vegans must carefully plan their diets to include all essential amino acids.
What type of reaction joins amino acids to form a dipeptide?
Condensation reaction
This reaction involves the release of water.
What is the bond called that forms between the amine and carboxyl groups of adjacent amino acids?
Peptide bond
This bond is crucial for the structure of proteins.
What are long chains of covalently bonded amino acids called?
Polypeptides
These chains make up proteins.
What type of reaction is required to break down polypeptides?
Hydrolysis reaction
This process requires water to reverse the peptide bond formation.
Fill in the blank: Amino acids can be covalently joined together via _______ reactions.
Condensation
True or False: A peptide bond forms between the hydroxyl and amine groups of amino acids.
False
A peptide bond forms between the amine and carboxyl groups.
Fill in the blank: Long chains of amino acids are known as _______.
Polypeptides
What is released during the formation of a dipeptide from amino acids?
Water
This is a byproduct of the condensation reaction.
What are polypeptide chains composed of?
20 different types of amino acids
Each amino acid has a specific variable side chain.
What determines how a protein folds?
The specific position of amino acids in the polypeptide chain
Different side chains have distinct chemical properties.
Why is the folding of a protein molecule critical?
It determines the protein’s function and biological activity
The structure-function relationship is vital in biochemistry.
What is the typical range of amino acid residues in natural polypeptide chains?
50 – 2000 amino acid residues
This range allows for a vast diversity of polypeptides.
What roles do proteins serve within a cell?
Proteins serve a number of different roles, including:
* Structure
* Hormones
* Immunity
* Transport
* Sensations
* Movement
* Enzymes
Proteins are a diverse class of compounds.
