Module 01 - Section 04 Flashcards
Protein Structure and Function
What are the 4 levels of protein structure?
Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, Quaternary
What do we mean by “Nested levels” as it pertains to protein structure?
The 4 levels of protein structure exist in such a manner that one level higher is comprised entirely of the level below
What is the primary structure of proteins?
The linear sequence of amino acids.
It is written and read from the amino terminus to the carboxyl terminus
What are the Peptide backbone constraints?
The 4 atoms separating alpha carbon(include carbons) and the 3 covalent bonds lie in the same plane. The peptide bond length is significantly shorter than a normal C-N bond (more like C=N bond), because it is a partial double character due to carboxyl oxygen
Where can the peptide backbone rotate? Where can it not?
No rotation around the N-C(alpha)
Free rotation around C(alpha)-C
What are dihedral angles?
Torsion angle due to constrained bonds in polypeptide. Phi for N-C(alpha) and Psy for C(alpha)-C
What is a Ramachandran Plot?
Way to graphically represent the allowed valued of phi and psi for each amino acid
Why are rotational movements restricted
Because of steric hindrance between amino acids side chains
What are the 2 exceptionds to the Ramachandran Plot
Glycine, Proline
Why is Glycine an exception to the Ramachandran Plot?
Because its side chain is only a H-atom, allowing for a broader range of allowed angles
Why is Proline an exception to the Ramachandran Plot
Its structure is greatly restricted because of its cyclic structure covalently bonded to the alph amino group
Which conformations are deemed possible?
Conformations that involve little or no interference between atoms. Based on known van der Waals radii and bond angles
How do you read a Ramachandran Plot?
Easily allowed conformation are shown in darker shade within the quadrants corresponding to the degree of angle
Lighter = conformations allowed if some flexibilit is permitted in the torsion angles
Unshaded=conformations not allowed or disfavoured
What is the Secondary Structure of Protein
Regularly repeating elements within a protein, in which hydrogen bonds form between polar atoms the backbone chain
What are the main secondary structures and residue length?
(1) alpha-helix, 10-15 residues long
(2) beta-sheet, 3-10 residues
Which Secondary structure is the most stable?
Alpha-helix
What is an alpha-helix?
Right-handed helix containing 3.6 amino acids per turn where the H-atom on the amide nitrogen forms a hydrogen bond with the carbonyl oxygen of the 4th residue. The R-group stick out on the outside of the helix
What is the second most stable secondary structure?
Beta-sheet
What is a beta-sheet
Secondary structure that looks like a pleated sheet. It is made by hydrogen bonding between backbone amide and carbonyl groups of 2 DIFFERENT beta-strands (cant only form one). The R-groups of adjacent amino acids lie on opposite side of the sheet.
What are the beta sheets orientations? (3)
(1) antiparallel
(2) Parallel
(3) mix of both
Describe antiparallel beta sheet
when beta-strands are oriented in the opposite N- to C-terminal directions
Describe the parallel beta sheet
when beta-strands run in the same N- to C- terminal directions
Which beta sheet is more stable and why
Antiparallel, because they can form nearly straight hydrogen bonds, which are the most stable of hydrogen bonds
Which amino acids can beta sheet readily accommodate that alpha helix cant?
Aromatic residues (Tyr, Trp, Phe) and Proline (especially in the edge strands)
What is one function of the beta sheet
To form a barrier between greasy and watery environment due to its R groups on opposite sides
Psi and Phi angles that favour Beta sheets
Phi: <0 Psi:60 +
1st quadrant ramachandran plot