Chapter 3: Proteins and Enzymes Flashcards
State the elements found in
a) all proteins
b) Some proteins
a) All = C, H, O, N
b) Some proteins = S
State the 3 groups found in all amino acids
- amine group
- carboxylic acid group
- residual group
Draw the structure of a generalised amino acid

State the residual groups for glycine and cysteine
Glycine = simplest amino acid as R group = H
Cysteine = R group is SH (important in forming disulfide bridges)
State the 6 main functions of proteins
Hint: think steam
Structural role e.g. keratin, collagen
Transport role i.e. Hb and Mb
Enzymes
Antibodies
Membranes i.e. intrinsic & extrinsic proteins
Hormones e.g. insulin, prolactin
Explain how to amino acids are joined together
- Condensation reaction joins two amino acids toegther
- i.e. removal of water resulting in the formation of a covalent bond
- Called peptide bond
- A series of condensation reactions are repeated to form a polypeptide chain (NB this is not an active functional protein at this stage)
Draw a diagram to show how a dipeptide is hydrolysed

Define the primary structure of a protein
Sequence of amino acids within the polypeptide chain (amino acids joined by series of condensation reactions resulting in peptide bonds)
Define the secondary structure of a protein
Folding of the polypeptide chain (ppc) to form one of 2 formations:
a) Alpha helices forms a coils
b) Beta pleated sheets forms pleated sheets
Define the tertiary structure of a protein
- Further folding of the ppc to produce complex 3-dimensional shape
- Results in globular arrangement (called G-protein)
Define the quaternary structure of a protein
Presence of 2 or more ppc joined together
OR
Presence of 1 ppc AND at least one non-protein, prosthetic group
Give 2 examples of quaternary proteins
Collagen – 3 ppc
Haemoglobin – 4 ppc and 4 haem groups
State and describe the 5 different bonds/interactions within proteins
i) Peptide: formed by condensation reaction between NH group of one AA and COOH group of adjacent AA
ii) Hydrogen: weak interactions between atoms with slight+ and slight- i.e. between dipoles
iii) Ionic: formed between R groups which have carboxyl groups (COO-) and amino groups (NH+)
iv) Disulfide: formed between the sulphur atom of R-groups of 2 cysteine amino acids
v) Hydrophobic interactions: water is repelled & excluded from hydrophobic, non-polar R-groups
Explain the principle behind how chromatography works
separates chemicals according to their solubility
State with an example the 2 different phases in chromatography
Stationary phase = paper, silica gel or column through which the solvent (mobile phase) runs
Mobile phase = liquid or gas, used to separate different chemicals
Write the formula used to calculate the Rf value
Retardation factor (Rf)
Rf = Distance travelled by the amino acid .
Distance travelled by the solvent
Explain how Rf values are used to determine the amino acids present
- Compare Rf value to Rf values of known standards
- Which have been run on chromatogram with same solvent
- At the same time i.e. same conditions
Give 2 reasons why pencil is used to draw the origin on a chromatogram
- To enable calculation of Rf
- Can’t use pen as the ink dye would also dissolve in the solvent & move up the SP
Explain how to apply a solution of amino acids to a chromatogram
- Use a narrow capillary tube
- To generate a spot with max diameter of 2-3mm
- On the, origin/starting line
- To generate/produce, a high concentrated spot (of the substance)
- Air dry between application of further spots
Explain why the chromatogram should be handled with gloves
- To avoid getting fingerprints on the stationary phase
- As the solvent may dissolve the oils in the grease
- This changes the rate the solute rises (and affects the spot formation and travel)
Explain why ninhydrin is applied to a chromatogram
To make the amino acids more visible
By forming a blue-violet compound
Explain how to confirm a spot on a chromatogram is not composed of 2 or more substances
- Run chromatogram again with different solvent
- Run chromatogram again in 2nd orientation
- i.e. 2-way chromatography
- This will increase the resolution of the spots obtained
Explain the advantage of using different solvents in chromatograms
- As different amino acids will have different solubilities in different solvents
- If only one solvent is used one (or more) amino acid may not dissolve in tit and hence give false results
- More solvent = increase probability that all amino acids present will dissolve in at least one solvent
Explain the importance of covering the chromatogram tank with a lid
- As solvent may have low heat of evaporation
- Hence could diffuse into surrounding atmosphere
- May have health risks e.g. corrosive when inhaled etc


