IMMS Flashcards
What is the structure of DNA?
Double helix
Complimentary base pairs (A-T {2 H-bonds} & C-G {3- H bonds})
Coils around nucleosomes (made of protein histones)
Complex supercoils to form chromosomes
How many chromosomes (pairs?) are there in a normal human somatic cell?
46 chromosomes
23 pairs
22 pairs are autosomes (anything that isn’t sex- determining)
1 pair is the sex chromosomes (XY- male & XX- female)
What is a Karyotype?
Number and appearance of chromosomes in a cell Spreads are arranged in size order: * Biggest pair is 1 * Smallest pair is 22 * Sex pair is 23
How many genes does a human have in total?
30,000 genes
What does each chromosome consists of?
P arm- short arm (petit)
Q arm- long arm
Two arms separated by a centromere
What is Mitosis?
Type of cell division where a single cell divides into two genetically identical daughter cells with 46 chromosomes
2n parent cell –> 4n parent cell –> 2n daughter cells X2
Parent cell is destroyed in the process
What are the stages of mitosis?
(I pee mostly at trees C) Interphase Prophase Metaphase Anaphase Telophase Cytokinesis
What is the purpose of mitosis?
Producing two daughter cells that are genetically identical to the parent cell.
Growth
Replacement of dead cells
Chromatin .VS. Chromosomes .VS. Chromatids
Chromatin is cell not in replication
Chromosome is cell during replication
Chromatids is cell after replication
For mitosis to occur, what must happen?
Cell must be in cell cycle- Interphase
If cell is in G0, outside cell cycle mitosis can’t occur
What happens in Interphase? (MITOSIS)
Longest phase…
- G1: (no visible activity)
Rapid cell growth (becomes larger)
Organelle synthesis
Protein synthesis of proteins involved in spindle formation
Normal metabolic function
- S phase: (Synthesis)
DNA doubles through DNA replication
Histone proteins double through protein synthesis (2X as much DNA at end of S)
Centrosome replication
- G2:
Chromosomes condense
Energy stores accumulate
Mitochondria and centrioles double
What happens in Prophase? (MITOSIS)
- Chromatin condenses into chromosomes
* Centrosomes nucleate microtubules and move to opposite poles of nucleus
What happens in Prometaphase and Metaphase? (MITOSIS)
PROMETAPHASE
* Nuclear membrane breaks down
- Microtubules invade nuclear space
- Chromatids attach to microtubules
- Cell no longer has a nucleus
METAPHASE
* Chromosomes line up along equatorial plane (metaphase plate)
What happens in Anaphase? (MITOSIS)
- Sister chromatids separate, and are pushed to opposite poles of the cells, centromere first as spindle fibres contract
What happens in Telophase? (MITOSIS)
- Nuclear membrane reforms
- Chromosomes unfold into chromatin
- Cytokinesis begins
What happens in Cytokinesis? (MITOSIS)
- Cell organelle become evenly distributed around each nucleus
- Cell cytoplasm splits and divides into 2 daughter cells with a nucleus in each and 46 chromosomes
What is Down’s syndrome caused by?
1 extra chromosome at 21
Trisomy 21
In histology, how can you tell if a cell is undergoing mitosis?
- If the nucleus is dark (chromatin has condensed to chromosomes)
- If nuclei aren’t the same size
How do you know if something is malignant?
If there are too many mitotic figures
Lots of dark nuclei of different sizes
How do you determine how bad the cancer is?
By the number of mitotic figures
The more mitotic figures, the worse it is
How is MEIOSIS different to MITOSIS?
- Only in gametes
- Recombination of genetic material results in genetic diversity
- 2 cell divisions
- 4 haploid (23 chromosomes) cells produced, which are genetically distinct from each other and the parent cell
- Meiosis isn’t a cycle
What happens during Meiosis 1
Chromosome number is halved
Interphase-
* Cell growth, Organelle synthesis, Protein synthesis, DNA replication, Chromosomes condense
Prophase-
* Crossing over occurs between non- sister chromatids at the Chiasmata (Genes switch independently)= GENETIC DIVERSITY
Metaphase-
* Random assortment of homologous chromosomes occurs on metaphase plate= GENETIC DIVERSITY
Anaphase-
* Sister chromatids are pulled apart
Telophase and cytokinesis-
- Sister chromatids end up in separate poles
- Chromosomes decondense
- Nuclear envelope forms and cytoplasm splits
What happens during Meiosis 2?
- Sister chromatids separate
* Haploid cells produced
What is Gametogenesis?
- The first stage is the proliferation of primordial (undifferentiated) germ cells (developing gametes) by mitosis
- The timing of mitosis in germ cells differs greatly in males and females
What is Gametogenesis in males?
- Primordial germ cell –> lots of mitoses –> spermatogonia (mature sperm)
- Some mitosis occurs in embryonic stages to produce primary spermatocytes present at birth
- Mitosis really begins during puberty and continues throughout life
- Meiotic division commence at puberty
- Cytoplasm divides evenly
- After meiosis 2 –> 4 equal sized gametes
- Millions of mature sperm continually produced
- Process takes 60-65 days
- 100/200 million sperm per ejaculate
What is Gametogenesis in females?
- Primordial germ cell –> 30 mitoses –> oogonia
- Oogonia enter prophase 1 of Meiosis 2 by 7th month of intrauterine life
- Process suspended
- Cells enter ovulation 10-50 yrs later
- Cytoplasm divides unequally- 1 egg & 3 Polar bodies ( that apoptose)
- Meiosis 1 is completed at ovulation ( then cells remain in suspended animation)- at this point there is 1 big cell, 1 small cell each with diploid DNA. then go on to divide again ( after fertilisation) to form 1 big cell (egg) and 3 small cells (polar bodies)
- Meiosis 2 is only complete if fertilisation occurs
Problems with Meiosis
- Non- disjunction
* Gonadal mosaicism
What is non- disjunction, name 2 examples?
- Failure of chromosome pairs to separate in Meiosis 1 or sister chromatids to separate properly in Meiosis 2
- Down syndrome (Trisomy 21- RISK INCREASES WITH AGE FOR MALES AND FEMALES
75% maternal meiosis I,
25% maternal meiosis II,
3-5% paternal non disjunction - Turners syndrome (Monosomy {loss of a chromosome}- Only 1 X chromosome)
What is Gonadal Mosaicism, which inheritance patterns is it commonly observed with and give 2 conditions?
- Occurs when precursor germline cells to ova or spermatozoa are a mixture of two or more genetically different cell lines (due to errors in mitosis)
- One cell line is normal, the other is mutated
- Incidence increases with advancing paternal age
- Parent is healthy ( since genetic change is only in germline so all other cells are unaffected- have usual genetic components), but the foetus may have genetic diseases
- More common in males
- Can be observed with any inheritance pattern, but most commonly autosomal dominant and x- linked
- Observed in a number of conditions, including osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bones) and duchenne muscular dystrophy
Name the three causes of disease?
Genetic
Multifactorial
Environmental
What is genetic cause of disease and give examples of some diseases?
- Individually rare but cumulatively enough to have regional genetic services
- Down Syndrome, Cystic Fibrosis, Huntington disease, Haemophilia
What is multifactorial cause of disease and give some examples?
- Main cause of disease in developed countries
* Spina bifida, Cleft lip, Diabetes, Schizophrenia
What is environmental cause of disease and give some examples?
- Main cause of disease in 3rd world countries and A&E (genetics play a small role)
- Poor diet
- Infection
- Drugs
- Accidents
Definition of AUTOSOMAL
Chromosomes 1-22, all chromosomes except the sex chromosomes (XY)
Definition of LOCUS
The position of a gene/DNA on the genetic map.
Definition of GENOTYPE
Genetic constitution of an individual
Definition of PHENOTYPE
Appearance of an individual which results from the interaction of the environment and the genotype
Definition of ALLELE
What is normal allele referred to as?
What does diseased allele carry?
One of several alternative forms of a gene at a specific locus
Normal allele is also referred to as wild type
Disease allele carries the pathogenic mutation
Definition of POLYMORPHISM
Frequent hereditary variations at a locus.
Doesn’t cause problems (thats mutations).
Polymorphisms can be you more/less efficient or make you more/ less susceptible to disease.
Definition of CONSANGUINITY
Reproductive union between two relatives
Definition of AUTOZYGOSITY
Homozygous by descent i.e. inheritance of the same mutant allele through two branches of the same family
Definition of HOMOZYGOUS
Both alleles are the same at a locus
Definition of HETEROZYGOUS
Alleles at a locus are different
Definition of HEMIZYGOUS
Describes genes that are carried on an unpaired chromosome. Refers to a locus on an X chromosome in a male
Definition of PENETRANCE
What are the two types?
Proportion of people with a gene/genotype who show the expected phenotype
- Complete: gene or genes for the trait are expressed in all the population
- Incomplete: the genetic trait is only expressed in parts of the population
Definition of VARIABLE EXPRESSION
Variation in clinical features (type and severity) of a genetic disorder between individuals with the same gene alteration
Definition of SEX LIMITATION
Expression of a particular characteristic limited to one of the sexes
Definition of MULTIFACTORIAL CONDITION
Diseases due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
If the condition is more common in one particular sex, the relatives of an affected individual of the less frequently affected sex will be a higher risk than relatives of an affected individual or the more frequently affected sex
i.e if a boy has the condition then female relatives are more at risk and vice versa.
Definition of LATE- ONSET
Condition not manifested at birth (where it does this is called congenital).
Classically adult-onset e.g Huntington’s
What is AUTOSOMAL DOMINANT INHERITANCE?
MENDELIAN
* A disease that only manifests in the heterozygous state
- Affects both males and females in equal proportions.
- Affected individuals in multiple generations
- Transmission by individuals of both sexes to both sexes
Why are parents sometimes unaffected in autosomal dominant inheritance?
- They don’t have the genes for it- Gonadal Mosaicism
- Mother has reduced penetrance/ variable expression
*Only one defective gene is needed. (50% chance of offspring having condition with 1 affected and 1 unaffected parent)
E.G. HUNTINGTONS. only way to pass on disease is from male to male, so must be autosomal dominant
What is autosomal recessive inheritance?
MENDELIAN
- A disease that manifests in the homozygous state
- 2 defective genes required
- If both parents are carriers, 25% chance of offspring having condition, 50% of offspring being carrier. *
- Healthy siblings have 2/3 chance of being carriers. the affected child is disregarded in the ratio
- Male and females affected in equal proportions
- Affected individuals only in a single generation
- Parent can be related (consanguineous)- recessive disorders most common in these types of families
What is Cystic fibrosis?
- Most common autosomal recessive condition affecting whites in the UK
- Chronic condition affecting mainly the lungs and gut, variable presentation
- Incidence of 1 in 25,000
What is X linked inheritance and give 2 examples?
MENDELIAN
- caused by mutation in genes on X chromosome, E.G. haemophilia and duchenne muscular dystrophy
- X linked can never be passed from father to son because sons always get their X chromosome from their mother (No male-to-male transmission)
- All daughters from affected male are carriers and all sons are unaffected.
- All sons from affected male and unaffected female are unaffected female are unaffected
- Usually males are affected, they can never be carriers
- Usually transmitted through unaffected females
- Examples=
X linked dominant= Alport’s syndrome
X linked recessive= Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy
What is Lyonisation?
- Process of X chromosome inactivation
- One of 2 X chromosomes in every cell in a female is randomly inactivated early in embryonic development
- only one functional copy of X chromosomes
What is Barr body?
Inactive X chromosome since packaged in heterochromatin (cannot be transcripted)
What is Imprinting?
NON-MENDELIAN
- For some genes, only 1 out of the 2 alleles is active. The other is inactive.
- For particular genes it is always the paternal or the maternal allele.
What is Knudson’s 2 hit Hypothesis?
Gene mutations may either be inherited or acquired during a person’s life
What is sporadic and hereditary cancer?
Sporadic= 2 acquired mutations
Hereditary= 1 inherited mutation + 1 acquired mutation
What is an ideogram?
Diagrammatic form of chromosome bands, bands are numbered according
to distance to centromere
What are the classifications of genetic disease?
- Chromosomal
- Mendelian- Autosomal dominant/ recessive or X linked
- Non traditional- Mitochondrial, Imprinting, Mosaicism
In genetic pedigrees, what are the squares, circles and highlighted shapes?
Square= Male Circle= Female Highlighted= Affected
When is DNA most risk of mutation?
S phase- DNA replication occurs here
Checkpoints check the DNA, mutated DNA triggers apoptosis
Where is DNA found?
95% Nucleus
5% Mitochondria (from ovum)
Types of tissues
Epithelia Supporting tissues Muscle Nerves Germ cells
What is Epithelia and its purpose?
- One of more layers of cells that line a body cavity
* Protection, absorption, secretion
What is the purpose of supporting tissue and give some examples?
- Structure and protection
* Cartilage, bones, tendons and blood
Give the three types of muscle?
Smooth, Skeletal, Cardiac
What types of nerves are there?
Brain, Peripheral, Visceral
What are the two types of Germ cells?
Ova and Sperm
What does Haematoxylin stain?
- Stains acidic things BLUE
* Stains Cell nuclei and RNA BLUE
What does Eosin stain?
- Stains alkaline things PINK
- Stains cytoplasm and colloidal proteins (e.g. plasma) PINK
- Stains Keratin ORANGE
- Many extra cellular fibres (e.g. collagen and elastin) also stain PINK
What does H&E not stain?
Watery extra cellular jelly (GAG) and fat, so appear as white spaces
What does Alcian Blue stain?
Stains following BLUE:
* Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) rich structures (found in all connective tissue and extracellular matrix)
- Mucous goblet cells
- Mast cell granules
- Cartilage matrix
What does iron haematoxylin stain?
Stains nuclei and elastic fibres black
What does Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) stain?
Stains Hexose sugars (esp. those in complex carb containing structures including goblet cell mucins, cartilage matrix, glycogen, basement membranes and glycocalyx- MAGENTA (DARK PINK)
Useful to detect goblet cells in SI, or GAG in intestinal brush border
What does Toluidine blue stain?
- Stains nuclei, ribosomes, cytoplasm- DARK BLUE
- Cartilage matrix, mast cell granules- PALE BLUE
- GAG rich components- BRIGHT PURPLE
Which size cells are more active and why?
- Small cells tend to be more dormant
* Larger cells are active due to mitosis and abundance of organelles
Cell ultra structure of the NUCLEUS
- Brain of cell
- Double nuclear membrane
- Houses DNA 95% (in form of chromatin) within the nucleolus (site of ribosomal RNA formation. e.g. DNA transcription. Bigger it is, more metabolically active the cell)
- Euchromatin- lighter areas due to different densities, decondenses sometimes (DNA needs to decondense in order to transcribe)
- Heterochromatin- Darker, permanently condensed
Cell ultra structure of MITOCHONDRIA
- Site of oxidative phosphorylation
- Double membrane, inner membrane is highly folded (cristae)
- Outer membrane: lipid synthesis and FA metabolism
- Inner membrane: Resp. chain (ETC), ATP production
- Matrix: Tricarboxlic acid (Krebs’) cycle- Cells arranged in clusters, some singletons. Chondrocytes continue to divide after solid matrix begins to form, thickened matrix restricts migration of daughter cells, so they stay in clusters
- Intramembranous space: Nucleotide phosphorylation (ADP to ATP)
- Contains 5% of DNA (maternal)- likely were initially bacteria that fomred symbiotic relationships with animals
Cell ultra structure of ROUGH ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM
- Site of protein synthesis
* Highly folded flattened membrane sheets
Cell ultra structure of SMOOTH ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM
- Site of membrane lipid synthesis
- Processes and stores synthesised proteins
- Highly folded flattened membrane sheets without ribosomes
Cell ultra structure of GOLGI APPARATUS
- Parallel stacks of membrane - processes and modifies macromolecules synthesised in the endoplasmic reticulum
- Cis (first) golgi (nuclear facing - near nucleus) - receives SMOOTH ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM vesicles, protein phosphorylation occurs here
- Medial golgi (in the middle, central part) - modifies products by adding sugars - forms complex oligosaccharides by adding sugars to lipids and peptides
- Trans golgi network (last, this transfers) - proteolysis of peptides into active forms and sorting of molecules into vesicles which bud from the surface
- Located close to the nucleus of the cell
- In most cells the golgi apparatus cannot be seen, HOWEVER it can be seen clearly in plasma cells [exam question??] - seen as perinuclear hoff (lighter area) in a plasma cell
What are VESICLES?
Very small, spherical membrane-bound organelles which transport & store material and exchange cell membrane between compartments
There are many types of VESICLES, name some?
Cell-surface derived (pinocytotic and phagocytotic vesicles)
Golgi- derived transport vesicles
ER - derived transport vesicles
Lysosomes
Peroxisomes
What are LYSOSOMES?
Site of breakdown for most molecules
Contain digestive enzymes
Derived from Golgi
H+- ATPase on membrane, pumps H+ ions into cell, creating low PH to enable acid hydrolases to function
Breakdown debris from dead cells and bacteria and damaged cell organelles
Formed when two vesicles fuse:
- Hydrolase contains enzymes that degrade proteins at low PH
- Endosomes which has hydrogen atpase on membrane which pumps H+ into lysosomes to lower PH
What are Peroxisomes?
Small membrane bound organelles containing enzymes which oxidase long chain Fatty acids
Such as Long chain FAD-amino oxidase, catalase, urate oxidase-
The above are involved in process by which FA are broken down into two- carbon fragment which the cell can use as a source for generating ATP (BETA OXIDATION)
Also produce Hydrogen peroxide as byproduct of the breakdown of FA which can be used to destroy pathogens etc… (as its toxic to cells, but also peroxisomes can destroy H2O2 thus protecting body)
What is CYTOSKELETON and are they visible in light microscopy?
Filamentous proteins which brace the internal structure of the cell
Helps maintain their shape and internal organisation
They’re not visible in light microscopy
What is Microfilament made of and where is it?
Smallest diameter
Made of Actin (Present in cells as globular Gprotein that polymerises into filamentous F actin) forming a bracing mesh (cell cortex) on inner surface of cell membrane to maintain cell shape
What do intermediate filaments do?
Anchored transmembrane proteins which can spread tensile force through tissues
What are the 6 types of Intermediate filaments (10nm diameter) and where are they found?
Cytokeratin- epithelial cells
Desmin- myocytes
Glial fibrillary acidic protein (supports neurones in the brain)- astrocytic glial cells
Neurofilament protein- neurones
Nuclear laminin- Nuclei of all cells
Vimentin- mesodermal cells
They have a diagnostic utility in immunohistochemistry. Stains can show diff types of filaments, diff cells have diff types of filament
What are microtubules?
Tubulin (alpha and beta) arranged in groups of 13 to form hollow tubes
Arise from centrosome (comprises of 2 centrioles)
Found in all cells except erythrocytes (they have no nucleus, so microtubules not needed for cell division)
Act as scaffold for when cells divide
What is Lipofuscin?
Membrane-bound orange-brown pigment
Peroxidations of lipids (degradation of lipids) in older cells
Common in heart and liver, found in older people - sign of wear and tear
What is Lipid?
Non-membrane-bound vacuoles
Appears as empty space in histology since dissolved in processing
Stored in adipocytes and liver
What is Glycogen?
CHO polymer in cytoplasm
Normally seen on electron microscopy
May accumulate in some cells and in some diseases
What is G-banding?
Technique used to stain chromosomes using Giemsa, to show visible patterned banding on karyotype.
Helps to identify specific chromosomes
Why do cells in the liver stay in G0?
What other cells also do this?
They don’t grow, unless damaged (then they enter the cell cycle)
Myocytes and brain cells (so with age functions less well)
How can you tell the difference between benign and malignant tumours in histology?
Benign= too many cells, abnormal growth
Malignant= more mitotic figures at all levels
How to treat cancer with mitosis?
Using chemotherapeutic agents to block mitosis at different stages
E.g. Mitotic spindle (scaffold)= Taxol
Spindle poles (destroy)= Ispinesib
Anaphase (block)= Colchicine= like drugs
Three ways to prepare tissues?
Thin slices
Smear
Thick slices
How do you prepare a tissue into thin slice?
Preserve it by fixing in formalin (aq sol. of gas formaldehyde)- PREVENTS ROTTING
Embed sample in paraffin- EXTRACTS WATER AND OTHER SUBSTANCES
Very fine slices (4 microns thick) are made, mounted and stained
Why can thin tissue slices be problematic?
Can be difficult to imagine the 3D of a cell, because a slice can be thinner than a cell
Why are some tissues prepared as smears?
To see whole cells such as blood/ other fluids/ solid tissues
How do you prepare bone for looking under a microscope?
Too hard to be a smear or slice
Sample is demineralised to produce thin sections
Or mineralised sections grind down to produce a thick slice.
What does Val Gieson stain?
Stains elastic tissue with wavy brown detail
What does Trichrome stain?
Consists of 3 types of cell
Stains a variety of different tissues different colours in the same section
Give an example of a small cell and a large cell?
Small= lymphocytes (10um DIAMETER)- nucleus, very little cytoplasm, enclosed by cell membrane. They circulate in the blood and are found in large numbers in organs such as in lymph nodes, the tonsils and the thymus gland. Many tissues also have lymph nodules full of lymphocytes within their fabric.
Large= Motor neurons (70-100 um DIAMETER)= axons up to 1 metre
Name the shapes of cells?
Rounded- e.g. biconcave discs
Polygonal- Irregular shaped cells
Fusiform- Elliptical shaped
Squamous- E.g. Fibroblasts Flattened, appear to have thin plates, cells towards centre of cell of polygonal and mature into squamous cells
Cuboidal- E.g. Thyroid, roughly square
Columnar- E.g. cells lining gallbladder, more rectangular
If a cell is metabolically active, what is its cell size and content like?
Dormant cells are generally smaller, as they don’t need to maintain an elaborate cellular mechanical machinery.
When challenged, they differentiate further increasing the amount of cytoplasm and become more metabolically active.
Metabolically active cells often have a nucleoli, and have an abundance of cellular organelles so are larger
Give examples of things in the body with these lifespans: Days- Months- Years- Nearly whole life- Whole life-
Days- Lining of the SI (gut) (4-5 days)
Months- Lots of tissues- blood (120 days), skin, connective tissue
Years- Bones and tendons
Nearly whole life- (limited regeneration) skeletal muscle
Whole life- Nerves and brain, cardiac muscle, stem cells and germ cells (almost no capacity to regenerate)
What is there between cells?
Interstitial fluid:
- Water
- Salts in solution
- Peptides and proteins (e.g. plasma proteins, hormones etc.)
Extracellular material:
- Fibrillar proteins- e.g. collagen, elastin, or tendons
- GAG jelly
- Inorganic salts as solids (e.g. calcium in bone)
What colour do nerve cells stain with a silver stain?
Brown
What are the basic molecular building blocks?
CHONSP
Carbon Hydrogen Oxygen Nitrogen Sulfur Phosphate
Living organisms:
- Made of one or more cells
- Capable of reproduction
- Responding to the environment
- Adapting and changing
- Requiring a source of energy
- Growing and or developing
Difference between Atoms, Molecules and Macro molecules in chemistry
Atoms are the simplest levels
Two or more atoms make a molecule
Macro molecules are large, biologically important molecules inside cells
Organelles are aggregates of macro molecules used to carry out a specific function in the cell
ORGANELLES, CELLS, TISSUES, ORGANS, ORGAN, ORGAN SYSTEM AND ORGANISM
What are Macromolecules?
Simple molecules such as sugars, lipids and amino acids, can form complex large molecules
They have osmotic, structural, optical, enzymatic and other complex functions
Examples include: Haemoglobin, DNA, glycogen, rhodopsin and collagen
Structures of macromolecules are very heterogenous
Molecules to macromolecule examples
Monosaccharide to Polysaccharide with glycosidic bond
Nucleotide to Nucleic acid with phosphodiester bond
Amino acid to Protein with peptide bond
Describe carbohydrates:
General formula, examples of types of carbohydrates
General formula: Cn(H20)n
E.g. monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides, polysaccharides
Glucose + galactose =
Glucose + fructose =
Glucose + glucose =
Lactose
Sucrose
Maltose
Monosaccharides
Chain of carbons, hydroxyl groups and one carbonyl group
An aldose has an aldehyde
A ketose has a ketone group
What is a chiral carbon (D&L monosaccharides) ?
Carbon with 4 different groups attached
D & L monosaccharides have the same chemical properties but different biological ones (isomers)
There will be Two optically active and different forms
Most sugars living in organisms are D, when not indicated its the D form
Under polarised light- D shifts it right, L shifts it left
Cyclized (ring) structures:
By the reaction of the aldehyde or ketone groups with a hydroxyl group of the same molecule, monosaccharides generally exist as ring structures.
There are chair forms, zig-zag. Don’t lie on same plane
What is a glycosidic bond and give the types what is alpha and beta ?
The hydroxyl group of a monosaccharide can react with an OH or an NH group to form a glycosidic bond.
O- glycosidic bonds- (oxygen i.e. hydroxyl) form disaccharides, oligosaccharides and polysaccharides
N- glycosidic bonds- (nitrogen i.e. amine (NH) are found in nucleotides and DNA
Alpha- hydroxyl groups on the same side
Sugar derivatives?
Aminosugars: containing an amino (NH2) group. Often acetylated. e.g. Glucosamine
Alchohol- sugars. e.g. Sorbitol
Phosphorylated: containing Phosphate groups, e.g. G6P
Sulfated: Sulfate groups, e.g. Heparin chondroitin sulphate
Oligosaccharides
Disaccharides contain 2 monosaccharides (MS) joined by an O-glycosidic bond.
Oligosaccharides contain 3-12 MS.
Oligosaccharides are the product of digestion of polysaccharides, or part of complex protein/lipids
Polysaccharides-1
Formed by thousands of MS joined by glycosidic bonds e.g. Starch - storage in plants, made of amylose (glucose alpha 1,4) and amylopectin (glucose alpha 1,4 and alpha 1,6 glycosidic bonds)
Proteoglycans
Proteoglycans?
Long, unbranched polysaccharides radiating from a core protein [found in animals]
Polysaccharides- 2
GLYCOGEN - storage in animals, is a branched polysaccharide formed of glucose residues.
Linkage is both alpha 1,4 (between carbons) and alpha 1,6 (between side chain and main chain) - branching is at regular intervals.
Core protein is glycogenic, amino linked to the only reducing end of the inner chain
Lipids: Fatty acids
Triglyceride= 3 FA bound to glycerol
Straight carbon chains (mostly 16-20) with a methyl group (CH3) and a carboxyl gorup (C=OOH) at the ends.
Melting point decreases with the degree of unsaturation (fluidity).
Some of the C-C bonds can be unsaturated (i.e. have double bonds) tend to be hydrophobic and contain no oxygen in main chain.
In unsaturated FA, double bonds are commonly cis and spaced at 3C intervals
Many natural sources and many functions. Such as cooking oils
Steroids
Cholesterol is a naturally occurring fat
Eicosanoids
Derivatives of Arachidonic acid.
Synthesised from 20 C atoms
Major biological functions,metabolised to form prostaglandin, thromboxane etc…
Cell signalling molecules
What are nucleotides?
Building blocks of DNA,
Made from Nitrogenous base, sugar and phosphate
In DNA=
* Adenine- thymine (2 CARBON NITROGEN RINGS=Purines),
* Cytosine- guanine (1 CARBON NITROGEN RING=Pyrimidines)
* Deoxyribose sugar
In RNA=
- A-U
- C-G
- Ribose sugar
What are the bonds in a DNA/RNA?
Between bases= hydrogen bonds
Between phosphate and sugar are phosphodiester bonds
Phosphate bonds in nucleotides are a source of energy
Nucleotide has N-glycosidic bond between base and sugar, and Ester bond between Phosphate ester and sugar
Amino acids
Building blocks of proteins- 20 in total
Carbon with amino group, carboxyl group and side chain
Charge is determined by all three components. charge changes somewhat with the PH of the solution
Side chain often determines polarity (hydrophillic) non polarity (hydrophobic) of the amino acid
E.g glutamic acid- net negative charge since two carbon groups, 1 amino group
Carboxyl groups= negative
Amino group= positive
Most natural amino acids are in the L form, in contrast to that of sugar whose natural form is D
At different PH carboxyl and amino groups are ionised (charged). Some amino acids also have ionisable side chains (can associate and dissassociate)
Peptide bonds
Formed by condensation reaction (water released) between carboxyl group and amino group
Amino group first then carboxyl group at the end
Protein are formed by linked amino acids which are bonded together by peptide bonds
These linear chain fold in different shapes to form 3D structures
What is folding of a protein and its identity determined by?
Charged interactions, flexibility and physical dimensions
Sequence of amino acids, also determines folding and structure
Properties of peptide bonds
Very stable
cleaved by proteolytic enzymes
Cleaved (broken down bye) by proteolytic enzymes or extreme temperatures- Proteases or peptidases
Can have partial double bonds
Flexibility around C atoms not involved in bond thus allows multiple conformations
There is usually one preferred confirmation (i.e. R1 AND R2 (residual group) on the same side of chain or on different side) determined mainly by the type of side chain and their sequence in the polypeptide
Protein structure and function
Large polypeptide usually formed from 10s to 1000s of amino acids
Functions is totally dependent on structure (huge variety of functions arise from huge number of different shapes)
Function is dependent on structure
Protein vs peptide
Protein= functional and synthesised by a cell (50= AA)
Peptide= Bit of protein broken off (less than 50 AA long)
Primary structure of a protein?
Linear sequence of amino acids, held together by covalent bonds
Sequence of AA in protein determine where bonds will form thus structure and thus function
Secondary structure of a protein?
Formation of either alpha helix (H-bonds between each carbonyl group and the H attached to the N which which is 4 AA along the chain. Side chains look outwards. Proline breaks the helix (ring + no H)
Or beta pleated sheets (formed by H bonds between linear regions of polypeptide chains, chains from 2 proteins or same protein, if the chain is folding back, structure is usually a 4 AA turn, called a hairpin loop or beta turn due to hydrogen between amino acids- determined by a local interactions between the side chains and sequence of AA
Super- secondary structures: Combination of secondary structures. Structures and functional units of folded proteins often consists of combinations of alpha and beta structures= Helix-turn-helix B a B unit Leucine zipper zinc finger
Tertiary structure of Protein
Overall 3D confirmation of a protein
Bonding involved is electrostatic, H bonds and covalent bonds. Folding of the secondary structure into a globular structure due to bonds such as ionic bonds, disulphide bridges and Van der Waal forces. Confirmation can change with temperature or pH.
Quaternary structure of proteins
3D structure of protein composed of multiple subunits. Same non- covalent interactions as tertiary structures. 2 or more tertiary structures joined together to form a protein e.g. haemoglobin
Forces that hold proteins together
Van der waals
Hydrogen bonds
Hydrophobic forces
Ionic bonds
Disulphide bonds
Van der waals
Weak/attractive force between all atoms due to fluctuating electrical charge- only important when 2 macromolecular surfaces fit closely in shape. Can also be repulsive at very short distance
Hydrogen bonding
Weak interaction between polar bonds (dipoles). IMPORTANT IN AMINO ACID SIDE CHAINS, oxygen and nitrogen in main chain and water
Partial negative charges on negative atoms, O and N.
Partial positive charge on H
Hydrophobic forces
As uncharged and non-polar side chain are repelled by water, these hydrophobic side chains tend to form tightly packed cores in the interior of proteins, excluding water molecules.
This attraction is the ‘hydrophobic force’
Ionic bonds
Between fully partiallly charged groups. Weakened in aqueous systems by shielding by water molecules and other ions in solution
Disulphide bonds
Very strong covalent bonds between sulphur atoms
Lots of Cysteine= stronger stability, cell surface receptors, antibody
Factors affecting rate of reaction
Temperature PH Conc. of reactants Catalyst Surface area of a solid reactant Pressure of gaseous reactants or products
Enzymes
Powerful biological catalyst
Enzymes bind the reactants (substrates) and convert them to products. Then they release the products and return to their original form
Not only they speed-up the reactions, but provide a way to regulate the rate of reactions
Can be used for diagnostic purposes because since they control metabolism they can be used as disease markers e.g. when released in bloodstream, when they should be present. A lot of drugs work by inhibiting the actions of enzymes
Regulation of enzymes
Enzymes can be regulated by altering the concentration of substrates, products, inhibitors or activators, they can also be regulated by modifying the enzyme itself by phosphorylation.
Isoenzyme
Enzyme that have a different structure and sequence but catalyse the same reaction
Why are enzymes only effective in a narrow range of temperatures?
As T increases, the stability of the enzyme structure decreases- bonds weaken, eventually leading to denaturation and thus lower reaction speed
Coenzymes
They cannot in them self catalyse a reaction but can help enzymes to do so. They can bind with the enzyme protein molecule to form the active enzyme
Complex organic structures which help to maximise the repertoire of enzymes functional groups, they can be metal ions (Fe 2+, Mg 2+, Zn 2+) or organic (usually derived from vitamins) or both (e.g. Fe 2+ and heme)
Activation-transfer coenzymes
Oxidation-reduction enzymes
Activation- transfer coenzymes
Form a covalent bond and are regenerated at the end of the reaction
Oxidation- reduction enzymes
Involved in reactions where electrons are transferred from one compound to the other. E.g. NAD + transfers electrons with hydrogen and is important in energy processes including the generation of ATP.
Haemoglobin and Myoglobin
Haemoglobin- found in red blood cells, oxygen carrier in blood
Myoglobin- found in muscle, serves as a reserve supply of oxygen and also facilitates the movement of O2 in muscles
Both Haemoglobin and myoglobin are structurally related proteins with some common elements- have the same tertiary structure
At the core of both molecules
What structure is at the core of both haemoglobin and myoglobin?
Porphyrin ring which holds an iron atom.
An iron containing porphyrin is termed a heme.
This iron atom is the site of oxygen binding- the name haemoglobin in the combination go heme and globin.
Thus haemoglobin can be regarded as an enzyme that binds and releases o2 thus Fe can be seen as a coenzyme since its the site of o2 binding (when o2 binds, haemoglobin molecule changes shape slightly)
Factors influencing haemoglobin saturation
Partial pressure of o2 in blood, as it increases so does haemoglobin saturation
Temperature, H+ and partial pressure of CO2 (PCO2)= all modify the structure of haemoglobin and alter its affinity for O2. Increase in these results in; haemoglobin decreased affinity for O2 and enhanced unloading of O2 from the blood. Decrease acts in opposite manner. All these parameters are high in peripheral capillaries where O2 unloading is the target
Sickle cell anaemia
Genetic disorder that is characterised by the formation of hard, sticky sickle shaped red blood cells