Natures Chemistry - Proteins Flashcards
1
Q
What is an amino acid?
A
A small molecule containing an amino group (-NH₂) and a carboxyl group (-COOH).
2
Q
How are proteins formed?
A
Amino acids linked together by condensation reactions. The amino group of one and the carboxyl group of another join together to form a peptide link (-CONH).
3
Q
What is a condensation reaction?
A
Two molecules form to make one with an additional small one.
4
Q
What is an essential amino acid?
A
An amino acid that must be acquired from the diet.
5
Q
What does the enzyme hydrolysis of protein produce during digestion?
A
Amino acids.
6
Q
What happens when proteins are heated?
A
The intermolecular bonds between long protein chains are broken, allowing the proteins to change shape (denature). This causes the texture of proteins to change when cooked.
