Chapter 6 Vocabulary Flashcards
Compounds in your body that consist of numerous amino acids and are found in all living cells
Proteins
The building blocks of protein. Contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen. Composed of an acid group, an amine group. and a unique side chain
Amino acids
The COOH group that is part of every amino acid; also called a carboxyl group
Acid group
The nitrogen-containing part (NH2) of an amino acid
Amine group
The side group of an amino acid that provides it with its unique qualities; also referred to as the R group
Side chain
The bonds that connect amino acids; created when the acid group of one amino acid is joined with the nitrogen-containing amine group of another amino acid
Peptide bonds
The nine amino acids that the body cannot synthesize’ they must be obtained through dietary sources
Essential amino acids
The eleven amino acids that the body can synthesize
Nonessential amino acids
Nonessential amino acids that become essential if the body cannot make them, such as during bouts of illness
Conditionally essential amino acids
A substance that is converted to another substance in the body
Precursor
The alteration of a protein’s shape, which changes the structure and function of the protein
Denaturation
A limited supple of amino acids stored in your blood and cells and used to build new proteins
Amino acid pools
The continual process of degrading and synthsizing protein. When the daily amount of degraded protein is equivalent to the amount that is synthesized, you are in protein balance
Protein turnover
A nitrogen-containing waste product that is excreted in urine
Urea
The blueprint in cells that stores all the genetic information. Remains in the nucleus of the cell and directs the synthesis of proteins
DNA
A DNA segment that codes for a specific protein
Gene
A molecule that carries out the orders of DNA
RNA
A type of RNA that copies the genetic information encoded in DNA and carries it out of the nucleus of the cell to synthesize the protein
Messenger RNA (mRNA)