Cell Bio - Variety and Functions of Proteins Flashcards
What factors does the sequence of amino acids in proteins decide?
It decides the shape of the final protein, so different proteins have different 3D shapes.
What factors does the 3D shape of a protein decide and why?
- It determines a protein’s function and what it can interact with.
- This is because proteins form attachments and interact with many other molecules and structures inside organisms.
List 5 common proteins in the body
- Enzymes
- Hormones
- Antibodies
- Receptors
- Structural
What is an enzyme?
Enzymes are proteins that function as biological catalysts and are made by all living cells. They speed up cellular reactions and are unchanged in the process.
What is a hormone?
Hormones are chemical messengers transported in an animal’s blood to ‘target’ tissues where they cause a certain effect.
What is an antibody?
Antibodies are proteins made by white blood cells to defend the body against micro-organisms that could cause disease.
What is a receptor?
Receptors are proteins that allow communication between cells. They are usually in a cell’s membrane that recognises and fits the signal molecule perfectly.
What is a structural protein?
They are vital structural components of the cell membrane and of the membrane that encloses each of the cell organelles.