Nucleic acids and proteins Flashcards
What is a protein?
A protein is a biomacromolecule made up of amino acid chains folded into a 3D shape.
What is another name for a protein?
Polypeptide
What is a polypeptide?
A long chain of amino acids. Proteins can be made of one or many polypeptides
Why are Proteins important?
They are large complex structures which are crucial to the functioning and development of all living organisms, serving a variety of different functions
What is a proteome?
All the proteins that are expressed by a cell or organism at a given time
What is an Enzyme?
An organic molecule, typically a protein that catalyses (Speeds up) Certain reactions
What is a peptide hormone?
A protein signalling molecules that regulates physiology or behaviour
What is an anti body?
A protein produced by plasma cells during the adaptive immune response that is specific to an antigen and combats pathogens in a variety of ways. Also known as immunoglobulin
What are the 4 groups that make up an amino Acid?
The central carbon, R group, Carboxyl group and amino group
Why is the R group special?
Each amino acid has its own specific R group, Therefore the R group Uniquely determines that identity of a particular amino acid
What is the Carboxyl group?
The functional Group on amino acid molecules that contains a hydroxyl group (OH) and an oxygen double bonded to a carbon atom
What is the R group?
The functional group on an amino acid molecule. It can be one of twenty variations and determines that identity of the amino acid.
What is an amino acid group?
The functional group on amino acid molecules that is made up of one nitrogen and two hydrogens.
What is a Monomer?
A molecule that is the smallest building block of a polymer
What do Monomers form?
When monomers join together, they form Polymers.
