Chapter 6 - Proteins Flashcards
protein
“of primary importance”
- large, organic, nitrogen-containing molecules that provide the physical foundations of life
what is chemically unique about proteins?
They all contain nitrogen (amino group) and a carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (carboxyl acid group). They differ in the R group they have.
what is structurally unique about proteins?
Comprised of amino acids
- nitrogen group (amine)
- acid group (carboxyl)
- hydrogen
- side chain (R-group) - determines protein name
Primary - long chain of amino acids
Secondary - bending & folding
Tertiary - assembly into 3D sheets or fibers
Quaternary - linking together of subunits (hemoglobin, collagen, silk, insulin)
what do proteins do?
- structure
- movement
- determine cell structure
- membrane proteins
- defense & repair
- enzymes
what makes proteins unique compared to fats & carbohydrates?
the body uses amino acids to build the proteins it needs
Important task: structure
structural elements: bones, ligaments, tendons, hair, fur, feathers, nails, claws, hooves, beaks, protective armor, & antlers
Important task: energy
muscle contraction
Important task: cell structure
- cytoskeletal proteins: fibers, microtubules
- repair
Important task: membrane proteins
- cell to cell communication
- allow substances to enter & leave cell - channels & receptors
- adhesion molecules
- cellular identity
Important task: defense & repair
- antibodies
- extracellular matrix proteins - wound healing & immune function
- blood clotting
Important task: enzymes
- perform highly specific tasks
- every reaction requires a specific enzyme
- are recycled & can be used again
why are enzymes important proteins for living organisms?
- the body must carry out many reactions w/in narrow parameters of temp & pH
- enzymes lower the energy needed for reactions to happen & allow reactions w/in parameters
how do enzymes work?
- they trigger a reactions - can build up (anabolic) or break down (catabolic)
- enzyme remains unchanged
- specific enzymes create specific reactions
How can protein perform so many different tasks?
- amino acids are the building blocks of proteins
- they have many different ways of combining
what are amino acids?
they all have the same ingredients, but take on different shape
- basic structure: amine group (NH2) + carboxyl group + R group
- R group determines protein name
what are essential amino acids?
- amino acids the body needs but cannot make
- must get them from food
nonessential amino acid?
ones the body needs but can make
conditionally essential amino acids
essential during infancy, disease or trauma
proteins can be a source of energy. how?
amino acid pool
- supply of amino acids from food or body proteins that collect in cells and circulating blood.
- they stand ready to be used in protein & other compounds or used for energy (after nitrogen is stripped off)