Organic materials: Structure and function Flashcards
How many different types of amino acids are there?
20
What two groups forms an amino acid?
H2N (amino group) + COOH (Carboxyl group)
Define Zwitterion
A molecule that can have a positively and negatively charged group
What type of bond occurs between two different amino acids?
Peptide linkage/ amide bond
What is an amide group?
O (double bond) C - N - H
Define amphoteric
Able to react both as a base and as an acid.
In a basic solution, which amino acid group would donate an H+ ion to lower the pH of the solution to neutralize it
Carboxyl group
Describe the primary structure of a protein
- Held together by covalent bonds
- N terminus (left), C terminist (right)
- Chain of amino acids
Describe the secondary structure of a protein
- Hydrogen bonds occur in regular intervals, forming an alpha helix shape
- Segments of the polypeptide chain ( H bonds), fold = Beta pleaded sheets
Describe the tertiary structure of a protein
- 3D structure
- Influenced by the R chain (determines the type of bonding)
- Functional form of protein
Describe Quaternary protein structure
- 4D
- The manner in which subunits are arranged
A protein based catalyst is known as a…
Enzyme
What is the main purpose of an enzyme?
To lower activation energy
How does an enzyme work?
Substrate binds with the active site, however doesn’t take part in any chemical reaction
- What are the two types of enzyme models? 2. What are the two models differences?
- Lock and key, Induced fit
- Lock and key suggest the substrate fits perfectly into the active site (enzyme), whereas induced fit suggests the active site mold to the shape of the substrate
Define monomer
A molecule that can be bonded to other identical molecules to form a polymer.
Define
monosaccharide
- Simple sugars
- The simplest forms of sugar and the most basic units from which all carbohydrates are built.
What are the 3 main types of monosaccharides?
- alpha glucose
- beta glucose
- beta fructose
What’s the difference between monosaccharides and monomers
Monosaccharides are monomers, however, monosaccharides are carbohydrate specific
What is the difference between alpha and beta glucose?
- The orientation of the -OH group on carbon 1 (Alpha is a same-sided 1-4 hydroxyl groups, while beta refers to opposite-sided 1-4 hydroxyl groups)
- Beta glucose is soluble in water
How is a disaccharide formed?
Monosaccharides take part in a condensation reaction
What is the difference between disaccharides and monosaccharides?
Monosaccharides are only 1 glucose, where di is two
What are the different glycosidic linkages of a disaccharides?
Beta 1,4 and 1,6
Alpha can only do 1,4
What is a polysaccharide?
Lots of monosaccharides bonded together eg. Cellulose and starch
Describe the structure of cellulose
Straight chain, Beta-1,4-glucosidic linkage
Describe the structure of starch
Straight chain, Alpha-1,4-glycosidic linkage
What are two types/ variations of starch?
- Amylose
- Amylopectin
What is the differences between Amylose (1) and Amylopectin (2)?
(1) Alpha formation (coiled helix), straight chain, therefore harder to break the bond
(2) Highly branched (easier to break because water and enzymes can reach) due to -OH position, easier to break