Background Chemistry Flashcards
What are organic compounds and what do they contain
Elements held together by covalent bonds (found in living things) ALWAYS contain carbon and hydrogen
What do inorganic compounds contain
NEVER contain carbon and hydrogen TOGETHER examples include water and carbon dioxide
What groups do amino acids contain
Amino group (NH4) gives alkaline properties
Carboxyl group (COOH) gives acidic properties
Describe hydrophobic amino acids
Don’t like water
Side chains contain hydrocarbon group but not oxygen or nitrogen
Describe hydrophilic amino acids
They like water
Side chains contain oxygen
Describe negatively charged amino acids
Side chains ALWAYS contains carboxylic acid group
R group has negative charge
Describe positively charged amino acids
Hydrophilic
Contains amine group with positive charge
What is primary structure of proteins
Order in which the amino acids are synthesised
What is secondary structures of proteins
Formation of coils and sheets within a polypeptide
What is tertiary structure or proteins
Folds further into tertiary structure
What is quaternary protein structure
Two or more polypeptide chains combined to form a biologically active molecule
What are alpha helixes
Right handed coil with hydrogen bonds
What is a beta pleated sheet
Linked side by side by hydrogen bonding
What are turns
Reverse in the direction of the polypeptide chain
What are prosthetic groups
May be added to tertiary structure of proteins to give added function eg haem
