Chapter 3: Proteins and Amino Acids Flashcards
the building blocks of proteins
amino acids
indispensable agents of biological function
proteins
how many naturally ocurring amino acids are there?
20
features of amino acids (4)
(1) the capacity to polymerize
(2) novel acid–base properties
(3) varied structure and chemical functionality in the amino acid side chains, and
(4) Chirality (or handedness, means that an object or molecule cannot be superimposed on its mirror image by any translations or rotations)
Classes of Protein (7)
- Structural
- Contractile
- transport
- storage
- hormone
- enzyme
- protection
Class of Protein: Provide structural components.
Give examples and their function
STRUCTURE
Collagen is in tendons and cartilage
Keratin is in hair, skin, wool, and nails.
Class of protein: Move muscles.
Give examples and their function
CONTRACTILE
Myosin and Actin contract muscle fibers.
Class of protein: Carry essential substances throughout the body.
Give examples and their function
TRANSPORT
Hemoglobin transports oxygen.
Lipoproteins transport lipids.
Class of protein: Store nutrients.
Give examples and their function
STORAGE
Casein stores protein in milk.
Ferritin stores iron in the spleen and liver.
Class of protein: Regulate body metabolism and nervous system.
Give examples and their function
HORMONE
Insulin regulates blood glucose levels.
Growth hormone regulates body growth.
Class of protein: Catalyze biochemical reactions in the cells.
Give examples and their function
ENZYME
Sucrase catalyses the hydrolysis of sucrose.
Trypsin catalyzes the hydrolysis of proteins. (aids with digestion)
Class of protein: Recognize and destroy foreign substances.
Give an example and its function
PROTECTION
Immunoglobulins stimulate immune responses
biological catalysts
enzymes
Examples of enzymes that break down proteins in our diet so that subunits can be absorbed for use by our cells.
digestive enzymes:
- pepsin
- trypsin
- chymotrypsin
Without _, the body cannot absorb nutrients.
enzymes
Defense proteins include __
(also called __) which are specific protein molecules produced by specialized cells of the __ in response to __.
These foreign invaders include __
and __ that infect the body. Each
antibody has regions that precisely fit and bind to a single __. It helps to end the infection by __ and helping to destroy it or remove it from the body.
- antibodies
- immunoglobulins
- immune system
- foreign antigens
- bacteria; viruses
- antigen
- binding to the antigen
How do defense proteins work in the body?
- Antibodies coat free virus particles. The virus envelope cannot fuse with the host cell membrane.
- The antibody-coated virus is recognized and phagocytosed by a macrophage.
Proteins that carry materials from one place to another in the body.
transport proteins
What is transferrin and its function in the body?
- Transferrin is synthesized and secreted into serum mostly by the liver. Synthesis of transferrin is regulated by iron.
- transports iron from the liver to the bone marrow, where it is used to synthesize the heme group for hemoglobin.
Transferrin: Iron alone is extremely reactive. If iron is not bound by __ and/or __ within the body, it can viciously interact with __, __, and __structures. Therefore, after absorption, it is bound to the __ for safe transport.
- specific serum carriers
- storage proteins
- vascular; cellular; subcellular
- plasma protein transferrin (TF)
Iron uptake from transferrin involves the __ to the transferrin receptor, __of transferrin within an __ by receptor-mediated endocytosis, and __ from the protein by decreasing endosomal pH (4.0-6.5). A reduction in pH induces the __ from transferrin in a process that involves a conformational change in the protein from a closed to an open form due to __
- transferrin binding
- internalization
- endocytic vesicle
- iron release
- release of iron
- pH change
Transport proteins: Explain the regulation of iron uptake by cells
- Holo-transferrin refers to transferrin that is bound to iron on the cell surface. Holo-transferrin is the form of transferrin that carries iron to cells for their iron requirements.
- Internalization: This step involves the internalization of iron-bound transferrin (holo-transferrin) into the cell. This is typically accomplished through receptor-mediated endocytosis.
- Apo-transferrin refers to transferrin that is not bound to iron. After holo-transferrin delivers iron to the cells, it becomes apo-transferrin. Apo-transferrin is then released from the transferrin receptor.
responsible for the transport and storage of oxygen in higher organisms
hemoglobin and myoglobin
difference between hemoglobin and myoglobin (function and structure)
- Hemoglobin is a heterotetrameric oxygen transport protein found in red blood cells (erythrocytes).
Hemoglobin is made up of four heme groups that are in each of hemoglobin’s four subunits. - Myoglobin is a monomeric protein found mainly in muscle tissue where it serves as an intracellular storage site for oxygen.
Myoglobin is made up of one heme group in its 1 subunit.
Aspects in the body that must be regulated for life to exist
- body temperature
- pH of the blood
- blood glucose levels
control many aspects of cell function, including metabolism and reproduction.
regulatory proteins
Insulin and glucagon relationship (role)
Glucagon increases blood sugar levels, whereas insulin decreases blood sugar levels.
Insulin and glucagon differentiation (definition, function)
- insulin is a hormone produced by beta cells in the pancreas. Its primary role is to lower blood glucose levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose by cells, promoting its storage in the form of glycogen, and inhibiting the release of glucose from the liver.
- Glucagon is a hormone produced by alpha cells in the pancreas, specifically in the islets of Langerhans. It plays a vital role in regulating blood glucose levels. Glucagon has the opposite effect of insulin, which is produced by beta cells in the pancreas.
What is adrenaline?
Adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, is a hormone and neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in the body’s “fight or flight” response. It is produced by the adrenal glands, which are located on top of each kidney.
physiological effects of adrenaline
- heart contracts more forcefully and pumps more blood
- increase of available sources of fuel (blood levels of cholesterol, glucose, fatty acids)
- airways of the lungs dilate; more oxygen
- dilated pupil; clearer vision
- sweat more
- more blood travels to the brain; sharper mind
adrenalized effects last for
1-2 minutes
What happens when adrenaline is done with its job?
Adrenaline chemicals oxidize, converted into waste products. The body gets rid by mixing them with urine
provide mechanical support to large animals
and provide them with their outer coverings.
structural proteins
Our hair and fingernails are largely composed of the protein __. Other structural proteins provide mechanical strength for our __, __, and __. Without such support, large, multicellular organisms like ourselves could not exist
- keratin
- bones
- tendons
- skin
a rare genetic disorder that affects the skin and mucous membranes. It is often referred to as the “butterfly disease” because individuals with this condition have extremely fragile skin that can blister or tear with minimal friction or pressure. The term “__” is a nickname for people, particularly children, with EB due to the delicate and sensitive nature of their skin.
- Epidermolysis bullosa
- “butterfly babies”
__ is the most severe, chronic type of EB. Blistering begins at __ or __. Much of the skin is covered in blisters and there is extensive __. Children can develop deformities caused by the recurrent scarring of the fingers and toes (__) and the hands and arms become fixed in stiff positions (__). It is painfully difficult for a child with this to __ due to the internal blistering that occurs in the __, __, and __.
- Recessive Dystrophic EB
- birth; shortly afterward
- internal blistering
- pseudosyndactyly
- contractures
- ingest food
- mouth, esophagus, and gastrointestinal tract
proteins found in muscle cells. They play a crucial role in muscle contraction.
1. a thick filament
2. a thin filament
- myosin
- actin
These are byproducts of a chemical reaction that occurs when myosin interacts with actin. What’s their role in the context of muscle contraction?
Pi (inorganic phosphate)
ADP (adenosine diphosphate)
- Pi and ADP dissociate from myosin after they have been used in the process of muscle contraction.
In muscle contraction, explain ATP binding and ATP hydrolysis
- During muscle contraction, ATP binds to myosin, providing the energy needed for myosin to detach from actin.
- After ATP binds to myosin, it is hydrolyzed, meaning it loses one of its phosphate groups, becoming ADP and inorganic phosphate (Pi). This release of energy from ATP hydrolysis powers the movement of myosin and the sliding of actin filaments, allowing muscle contraction to occur.
How do calcium ions (Ca²⁺) play a crucial role in muscle contraction?
When a nerve signal triggers a muscle to contract, it leads to the release of calcium ions from storage sites within the muscle cell. Calcium ions then bind to specific sites on actin, allowing myosin to interact with actin and initiate the sliding of filaments.
serve as sources of amino acids for embryos or infants.
Give examples
Nutrient protein
nutrient storage proteins: Egg albumen and casein in milk
a type of protein found in milk and dairy products. It is the primary protein component of cow’s milk, accounting for about 80% of the total protein content.
casein
often simply referred to as egg white, is the clear liquid portion of an egg that surrounds the yolk. It is primarily composed of water and protein and serves various culinary and nutritional purposes.
egg albumen
What is the characteristic feature of compounds known as amino acids?
Amino acids contain both an amine group and an acid group.
How many amino acids are common in nature?
Out of hundreds of amino acids that can be formed, only 20 are common in nature.
What is the special property of all 20 common amino acids?
All 20 common amino acids are α-amino acids, where “α” indicates that the amine group is adjacent to the carboxylate group.
How many out of the 20 common amino acids are stereoisomers?
Nineteen out of the 20 common amino acids are stereoisomers. Glycine is an exception because it does not have a chiral carbon.
non-superposable to its mirror image due to the presence of an asymmetric carbon atom
chiral molecule (α-carbon in amino acid)
What is the primary basis for the differences between amino acids?
The differences between amino acids depend upon their side-chain R groups.
How are amino acids classified? What are the classes of amino acids?
- based on the polarity of their side chains
- Amino acids are classified into nonpolar, polar neutral, polar acidic (negatively charged), and polar basic (positively charged) classes based on the polarity of their side chains.
What characterizes the nonpolar class of amino acids?
The nonpolar class of amino acids has hydrophobic R groups.
What are the characteristics of amino acids in the polar neutral class?
Amino acids in the polar neutral class have a high affinity for water but are not ionic at a neutral pH.
How can amino acids in the polar acidic class be characterized?
Amino acids in the polar acidic class have ionized carboxyl groups in their side chains, resulting in a negative charge.
What is unique about the side chains of amino acids in the polar basic class?
Amino acids in the polar basic class are basic because their side chains react with water to release a hydroxide anion, resulting in a positively charged state.
What is the significance of amino acids in the diet?
All amino acids are essential for normal tissue growth and development.
How are “essential amino acids” defined?
The term “essential amino acids” is reserved for amino acids that must be supplied in the diet for proper growth and development.
Why must essential amino acids be obtained from the diet?
Essential amino acids must be supplied in the diet because there are no biochemical pathways available for their synthesis, or the available pathways do not provide adequate amounts for proper nutrition.
What does the acronym “PVT. TIM HALL” stand for?
P(Phenylalanine)
Val (Valine)
Thr (Threonine)
Trp (Tryptophan)
Ile (Isoleucine)
Met (Methionine)
His (Histidine)
Arg (Arginine)
Leu (Leucine)
Lys (Lysine)
Are there any exceptions to the essentiality of all amino acids in “PVT. TIM HALL”?
Yes, His (Histidine) and Arg (Arginine) are semi-essential because they are not synthesized in sufficient quantities during infancy, making them essential for infants.
What is the α-carbon attached to in an amino acid?
The α-carbon is attached to a carboxyl group (̶ COOH) and an amino group (̶ NH2).
What happens to the carboxyl group and amino group in an amino acid at physiologic pH?
At physiologic pH, the carboxyl group becomes –COO- (negatively charged), and the amino group becomes –NH3+ (positively charged).
top 10 complete vegetarian protein foods with all the essential amino acids
- firm tofu
- lentils
- low-fat yogurt
- cottage cheese
- green peas
- squash and pumpkin seeds
- quinoa
- peanut butter
- eggs
- mushrooms
What is the term for a neutral molecule with an equal number of positive and negative charges?
A neutral molecule with an equal number of positive and negative charges is called a zwitterion, derived from the German word “zwitter,” meaning “hybrid” or “hermaphrodite.”
What are the physical properties of amino acids?
Amino acids are white crystalline solids with high melting points and high water solubilities.
What causes the formation of zwitterions in amino acids?
The two charged groups, the basic amino group, and the carboxylic acid, at the two ends of amino acids lead to internal proton transfer, forming zwitterions.
How can the net charge on zwitterions be influenced?
The net charge on zwitterions can be affected by changing the pH of the solution in which they are found.
What is the term for the pH point at which there is no net charge on the zwitterions?
The pH point at which there is no net charge on the zwitterions is called the isoelectric point (pI).
What is the more accurate description of the structure of amino acids in aqueous solution at physiological pH?
In aqueous solution at pH 7 (physiological pH), amino acids are more accurately described as “zwitterions,” which are the product of an acid-base reaction between the carboxylic acid and the amine.
When do the charges on an amino acid balance out to zero?
The charges on an amino acid balance out to zero at one specific pH value, known as the isoelectric point (pI). At this pH, the amino acid will not migrate in an applied electric field.
What is the charge of a molecule below the isoelectric point?
Net positive charge
What is the charge of a molecule above the isoelectric point?
Net negative charge
How do you test the charge of an amino acid molecule at different pH values?
Electrophoresis
Explain Electrophoresis
- a process that separates a mixture of amino acids by the nature of their isoelectric point. At a given fixed pH, any amino acid will have its own unique concentration of positively and negatively charged forms.
- applying a sample of the amino acid to specially
treated paper or gel and applying an electric field at different pH values
Electrophoresis: What happens to a molecule with a net charge of zero in an electric field?
It does not migrate in an electric field.
How does a molecule with a positive charge behave in an electric field?
It migrates towards the cathode (-).
How does a molecule with a negative charge behave in an electric field?
It migrates towards the anode (+).
Is the carboxylic group weakly basic or weakly acidic?
Weakly acidic
What is the net charge of a carboxylic acid?
+1