Introduction to Amino Acids Flashcards
the building blocks of peptides and proteins
amino acids
explains the storage, retrieval and expression of genetic information
central dogma
duplication of DNA to make an identical copy
replication
reading of a gene and its production into RNA
transcription
an RNA sequence created into the corresponding sequence of amino acids to form a protein
translation
the first biological step towards the outward display of phenotypic traits
proteins
what is the unique feature of each amino acid
the R group
can act as an acid or base depending on the pH
Amphoteric
amino acids that can carry both positive and minus charges on the same molecule
zwitterions
pH were there is no net charge
isoelectric point
all four groups attached to the carbon are different
asymmetric
four main groups of amino acids
neutral non-polar
neutral polar
acidic
basic
contain hydrocarbon groups with no charge
nonpolar amino acids
have functional groups that can easily interact with water through hydrogen bonding
polar amino acids
have side chains with a carboxylate group that ionizes at physiological pH
acidic amino acids
bear a positive charge at physiological pH
basic amino acids
molecules that have the same structural formulas and bonding patterns but with a different arrangement of atoms or groups in space
stereoisomers
stereoisomers that are mirror images of each other
enantiomers
D enantiomers
dextrorotary
L enantiomers
levorotary
must be obtained in the diet
essential amino acids
can be made by the human body
non-essential amino acids
what are the essential amino acids
isoleucine leucine lysine methionine phenylalanine threonine tryptophan valine
how is a peptide linkage formed
the oxygen from the carboxyl group of the first amino acid and the two hydrogen from the amino group of the second amino acid bond to form water,
a tripeptide found in most all organisms and is involved in protein and DNA synthesis, toxic substance metabolism, and amino acid transport
glutathione
what is the order of amino acids in glutathione
glutamate, cysteine, glycine
an antidiuretic hormone that regulates water balance, appetite, and body temperature
vasopressin
a peptide that aids in uterine contraction and lactation
oxytocin
leads to a reversible disulfide bond
cysteine oxidation
forms when two cysteine residues form this bond to help stabilize polypeptides and proteins
disulfide bridge
intermediates formed by the reaction of an amino group in proteins with an aldehyde group in sugars
Schiff’s base or aldimines
inhibitory NT of the brain, involved in muscle relaxation, sleep, diminished emotional reaction and sedation
GABA
NT of the brain; modulates mood, appetite, sexual activity, aggression, body temperature, sleep, smooth muscle contraction
Serotonin
secreted by the pineal gland during darkness; linked to circadian rhythms and sleep wake cycles
melatonin
secreted by the thyroid; increases rates of chemical reactions and metabolism in almost all cells of the body
thyroxine
major plant hormone, stimulates cell growth and elongation, rooting; inhibits axillary bud development
indole-3-Acetic acid
found in proteins that bind calcium ions including prothrombin for blood clotting and osteocalcin in bone
carboxyglutamate
found in plant cell walls and collagen of connective tissues
4-hydroxyproline
also found in collagen of connective tissues
5-hydroxylysine
phosphorylated derivative of OH containing AA’s involved in signaling and gene expression
o-phosphoserine
