Macromolecules #4: Proteins Flashcards
What are proteins essential to?
The structures and activities of life.
What is a protein?
A polymer constructed from amino acid monomers.
What does the structure of the protein determine?
Its function.
Proteins are what in our cells?
Most versatile macromolecules.
How many major functions of protein are there?
8
What are the 8 major functions of proteins?
-Structural
-Contractile
-Storage
-Defense
-Transport
-Signalling
-Enzymes
-Energy
Where do proteins demonstrate structural function?
Hair, Cell Cytoskeleton
Where do proteins demonstrate contractile function?
Producers of movement in muscle and other cells.
Where do proteins demonstrate storage function?
Sources of amino acids, such as egg white.
Where do proteins demonstrate defense function?
Antibodies, Membrane Proteins
Where do proteins demonstrate transport function?
Membrane proteins on cell membrane, carrier molecules such as hemoglobin (carry O2 and CO2).
Where do proteins demonstrate signalling function?
Hormones, Membrane Proteins
Where do proteins demonstrate Enzyme function?
Regulators of the speed of biochemical reactions.
What are amino acids?
The monomeric subunit of polypeptides (proteins).
What do amino acids have?
An amino group and a carboxyl group.
