LEC 5: Amino Acids I

Question 1

What are the characteristics of Amino acids (3)

Answer 1

1. Monomers of proteins
2. 20 are used to build proteins
3. Organic molecules contain 1 amino group, 1 carboxylic acid group, H atom, and unique sidechain

Question 2

What does the unique amino acid sidechain determine?

Answer 2

Determines Aa reactivity, function and protein shapes

Question 3

Why are proteins the most versatile biomolecules (5 main topics)

Answer 3

1. Catalyst
2. Provide mechanical support
3. Generate motion
4. Hormones
5. Protein synthesis

Question 4

Why is chemistry and structure of Aa important? (3)

Answer 4

1. Protein function is determines by protein structure, which is determined by the structure and properties of the Aa making up protein
2. They mediate interactions between proteins and molecules
3. They help catalyze chemical reactions in the active site of enzymes

Question 5

Define what a chiral is?

Answer 5

Molecule that is not superimposable with its mirror image

Question 6

Only the ___ isomer is used for making molecules

Answer 6

L

Question 7

What are the 4 groups of amino acids

Answer 7

1. Non polar R groups
2. Polar and neutral R groups
3. R groups with full positive charge at physiological pH (bases)
4. R groups with full negative charge at physiological pH (acids)

Question 8

___(Aa) is often found in the active sites of enzymes, where the imidazole ring can bind and release H+ in the course of enzymatic reactions

Answer 8

Histidine

Question 9

What are the 7 Aa that has ionizable side chains?

Answer 9

Arginine, Aspartic acid, Cysteine, Glutamic acid, Histidine, Lysine and Tyrosine.

Question 10

Define essential amino acids

Answer 10

Amino acids we acquire through diet