Life Sciences 2 - Week 2 - Protein Structure and Metabolism

Question 1

What are the 6 functions functions of proteins (enzymes)?

Answer 1

1. Defense
2. Transport
3. Support
4. Motion
5. Regulation
6. Storage

Question 2

What is the function of an enzyme?

Answer 2

Act as a catalyst. Create biochemical reactions by increasing the the rate of reaction and decreasing the activation energy.

Question 3

What is involved in the Amino Acid structure?

Answer 3

• Central carbon atom
• Amino group (amino)
• Carboxyl group (acid)
• Single hydrogen
• Variable R group – side chain

Question 4

How many types of Amino acids are there?

Answer 4

20 types

Question 5

How many levels of protein structure are there?

Answer 5

4 levels

Question 6

What are the levels of protein structure?

Answer 6

Primary structure: Amino acid sequence
Secondary structure: a-helices and b-(pleated) sheets
Tertiary structure: folding and packing
Quaternary structure: Multiple polypeptide chain complexes

Question 7

How does pH influence protein denaturation?

Answer 7

influences protonation of charged side groups, hydrolysis of peptide bonds

Question 8

What influences protein denaturation?

Answer 8

pH
Temperature
Salt concentration
Agitation
Dissociation

Question 9

How does temperature influence protein denaturation?

Answer 9

It disrupts H-bonding through increased molecular vibration

Question 10

How does salt concentration influence protein denaturation?

Answer 10

interferes with ionic bonds

Question 11

How does Agitation influence protein denaturation?

Answer 11

disrupts H-bonding through shear forces

Question 12

How does Dissociation influence protein denaturation?

Answer 12

Subunits in quaternary
structure separate without losing
individual tertiary structure.