CH. 4 cont. Flashcards
What are amino acids?
the building blocks of proteins
What are the 20 most common amino acids known as? and why?
α-amino acids
because they have a primary amino group (-NH2) and a primary carboxylic acid group (-COOH)
What is the absoulte configuration of an α-amino acid?
Why are amino acids also referred to as Dipolar ions or Zwitterions?
Because amino acids can bear charged groups of opposite polarity.
what type of reaction occurs when amino acids are polymerized to form chains? Explain what the reaction entails.
a condensation reaction.
a bond forms between two amino acids with the elimation of a water molecule. Resulting in an CO-NH linkage.
The resulting CO-NH linkage betweeen amino acid chains are known as _______ ______.
peptide bonds
After peptides are formed, what are the individual amino acids within the peptide referred to as?
residues
What is the residue with a free amino group at the end of a polypeptide referred to as?
and is it located on the leftmost or the rightmost end of the polypeptide?
amino terminus or N-terminus
leftmost end
What is the residue with a free carboxylate group at the end of a polypeptide referred to as?
and is it located on the leftmost or the rightmost end of the polypeptide?
carboxyl terminus or C-terminus
Rightmost end
What is the overall directionality of a polypeptide and why?
the overall directionality of a polypeptide is N terminus to C terminus because that is the direction of synthesis
what are neurotransmitters?
neurotransmitters are substances released by nerve cells to alter the behavior of their neighbors
Name the decarboxilation product of histidine.
Explain what it is, why its produced, what it does, and where it is located.
Draw the reaction
Histamine
Histamine is produced as an allergic response, it also secretes gastric juice in order to regulate physiological function in the gut. Histamine is stored in mast cells.
Describe the reactions leading to the product L-Dopamine
Explain what it is, why its produced, what it does, and where it is located.
Draw the reaction
phe -> tyr -> L-dopa
With the decarboxylation and additon of a hydroxide and methyl group, L-Dopamine is created.
L-Dopamine is a neurotransmitter found in the brain, it is produced to help with functions such as mood, movement, and learning.
they are stored in synaptic cells
Name the decarboxilation product of tryptophan (trp).
Explain what it is, why its produced, what it does, and where it is located.
Draw the reaction
the decarboxylation product of tryptophan is tryptamine.
its is a neurotransmitter associated with sleep
located in the brains of mammals
Name the decarboxilation product of glutamic acid/ glutamate (glu).
Explain what it is, why its produced, what it does, and where it is located.
Draw the reaction
gamma amino butryic acid [GABA]
Its is a neurotransmitter, it reduces neuronal excitabiity throughout the nervous system
it is stored in the post-synaptic terminal
