L5 - Protein Structure

Question 1

What are the 4 structures?

Answer 1

Primary

Secondary

Tertiary

Quaternary

Question 2

What is the primary structure?

What bonds does it contain?

Answer 2

the unique sequence of amino acids in polypeptides

Has peptide bonds only

It is the foundations of the structure

Question 3

What is the secondary structure?

Answer 3

the coiling or pleating of a polypeptide chain

Has alpha and/or beta pleating (Can have 1 or both)

Has lots of hydrogen bonds to hold its coiled/pleated shape

R-groups not involved in bonding

Question 4

What is the tertiary structure?

Answer 4

the three demential shape of a polypeptide molecule

R-groups included in bonding

Hydrogen bonds

Ionic bonds and disulphide bridges (between R groups)

Held in place by bonds between R groups

Question 5

How can bonds in tertiary structure be broken?

Answer 5

Heating can break bonds

This denatures the protein

Can no longer carry out function

Question 6

What is the quaternary structure?

Answer 6

the structure of proteins that contain more than 1 polypeptide chain

Can have prosthetic groups

Has hydrogen bonds, ionic bonds, disulfide bridges