Memorize 20 Amino Acids Flashcards
Amino acids
Building blocks of proteins containing an alpha carbon, a hydrogen, a carboxy group, and an amine.
Glycine
The simplest amino acid without an R group, just a H, makes it chiral.
Nonpolar amino acids
Include glycine, alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, methionine; hydrophobic and aliphatic.
Alanine
The smallest amino acid side chain with just a CH3 group, aliphatic and hydrophobic.
Valine
Contains an isopropyl group, hydrophobic and aliphatic.
Leucine
Contains an isobutyl side chain, aliphatic and hydrophobic.
Isoleucine
An isomer of leucine with a different branching pattern specifically shapes L and I, aliphatic and hydrophobic.
Polar amino acids (science teaches curiosity that awakens genius)
Include serine, threonine, tyrosine, cystine, asparagine, and glutamine; mostly hydrophilic.
Methionine
Contains a sulfur in its side chain, aliphatic and hydrophobic, commonly the start codon in eukaryotic translation.
Tryptophan
Complex structure with a bicyclic ring
aromatic and hydrophobic.
Phenylalanine
Combines phenyl and alanine, forming a benzyl group
aromatic and hydrophobic.
phenyl on alanine
Proline
a cyclic side chain
hydrophobic.
looks like letter P
Serine
Contains a hydroxyl group
polar and hydrophilic.
simplest alcohol
Tyrosine
aromatic, borderline hydrophobic.
tire-oh
Cysteine
Forms disulphide bridges
hydrophobic and just barely nonpolar.
SH
Asparagine & Glutamine
Both are amides with partially charged and polar properties but Glutamine has an extra carbon
Acids
Acids are proton donors that have a negative carboxylate at physiological or mid-pH ranges.
Aspartic Acid
derived from asparagine
swapping NH2 for a carboxylic acid
Its abbreviation is D.
Glutamic Acid
Glutamic acid is derived from glutamine
carboxylic acid group instead of NH2.
Its abbreviation is E.
Basic Amino Acids
Basic amino acids have basic nitrogens that can accept protons, resulting in positive charges at mid-pH ranges.
Lysine
Lysine is a basic amino acid
with four carbons and a basic nitrogen.
Its abbreviation is K.
Arginine
Arginine is a basic amino acid
R groups look like a pirate ship anchor, 3 carbons for the rope
Its abbreviation is R.
positive change in Nitrogen with more bonds
Histidine
Histidine is a basic amino acid
with a 5-membered ring containing a basic nitrogen
Its abbreviation is H.
Histidine for house
