Lecture 5: Biological Macromolecules (Proteins)

Question 1

What are the 4 macromolecules and their polymers?

Answer 1

Proteins - polymers of amino acids
Carbohydrates - polymers of monosaccharides
Nucleic acids - polymer of nucleotides
Lipids - not polymeric steucture; variety of structures

Question 2

What are Isomers and the 3 different type?

Answer 2

Isomers: molecules that have the same chemical formula but differ in structure

Structural Isomers - differ in how their atoms are joined together
Cis-trans isomers - differ in oritentation with respect to double bond between two carbons
Optical isomers - two molecules that are mirro images to each other at an asymmetrical carbon

Question 3

How are macromolecules formed and broken down?

Answer 3

Formed by condensation (produces water) and broken down by hydrolysis (consume water). Covalent bond is formed and broken.

Question 4

What are some types of proteins?

Answer 4

Enzymes, hormones, structural, transport, etc.

Question 5

What is the structure of an amino acid?

Answer 5

An amino group, carboxyl group, side chain, alpha carbon, and a hydrogen.

Question 6

How are amino acids linked together?

Answer 6

Condensation (dehydration) synthesis of proteins links amino acids by peptide bond (peptide linkage), this usually occurs between C and N.

Question 7

What enviromental conditions affect protein structure?

Answer 7

• Temperature: increased temp breaks hydrogen bonds & hydrophobic interactions
• pH: change in pH can change ionization and disrupt pattern of ionic interactions
• Polar substances: disrupt hydrogen bonds
• Nonpolar substances: disrupt hydrophobic interactions
• Reducing substances: disrupts disulfide bridges