Pack 4 - Proteins, Enzymes and Digestion Flashcards
Why are proteins such an important molecule in the body?
The large amount of diversity in the shapes of different proteins.
What type of molecule is the monomer of a protein?
Amino acids
What is a single chain of amino acids called?
A polypeptide chain
How many naturally occurring amino acids are there?
20
The same 20 amino acids appear in all living organisms.
What does this provide indirect evidence for?
Evolution
Draw the structure of an amino acid and name the four groups.
R | H₂N--- C ----COOH | H • Amino group (H₂N) • Carboxyl group (COOH) • Hydrogen atom (H) • R - group (unique to each different amino acid)
What is the name of the bond formed between two amino acids and what are the products?
- A peptide bond
* Dipeptide + water
What type of reaction is the formation of a peptide bond? Between which two groups is it formed?
Condensation - amino and carboxyl groups.
What is the name of the reaction which breaks the bond between two amino acids called? What other molecules is needed?
Hydrolysis - addition of water
What is the process of joining many amino acids together called? What is the resulting chain called?
Polymerisation, Polypeptide chain
Define the primary structure of proteins.
The order and number of amino acids in a polypeptide chain.
How many different proteins can be made with 4 amino acids?
20⁴ = 160 000
How does a proteins primary structure affect its function?
The primary structure determines, ultimately, a proteins shape. Changing one amino acid could change a proteins shape and therefore its function.
What is a protein?
One or more polypeptide chain forming a molecule.
Define and explain the secondary structure of proteins, in terms of molecules and shape.
- -NH group has slight positive charge.
- -C=O group has a slight negative charge.
- Hydrogen bonds form between these two groups.
- This causes the polypeptide chain to twist and form a 3D α-helix or a β-pleated sheet.
Name the bonds involved in: • primary • secondary • tertiary • quaternary structure of proteins.
- Primary - peptide bonds
- Secondary - H-bonds
- Tertiary - H-bonds, disulphide bonds, ionic bonds
- Quaternary - H-bonds, disulphide bonds, ionic bonds
Define tertiary structure. What bonds are involved?
α-helices and β-pleated sheets are twisted and folded even more to give a complex and specific 3D structure to a protein. H-bonds are formed. Ionic bonds are formed between free -NH and -C=O groups. Disulphide bridges (covalent).
Why is tertiary structure important? What determines tertiary structure?
The unique 3D shape of a protein allows it to carry out a specific function and be recognised. The primary structure determines where the bonds are formed between different amino acids.
Define quaternary structure. What bonds are involved?
The combination of more than 1 polypeptide chain. H-bonds, disulphide bridges, ionic bonds.
What is the name for a non protein group that is associated with a protein. Give an example.
A prosthetic group. The haem group in haemoglobin.
Describe the biuret test.
- Add an equal volume of sodium hydroxide to the sample.
- Add a few drops of very dilute copper sulphate solution (burets reagent)
- Turns blue to purple.
What is a fibrous protein? Give an example.
Long polypeptide chains that run parallel. Cross bridges increase strength. e.g. collagen.
What is an enzyme?
Biological catalyst. Protein.
How does an enzyme speed up the rate of reaction.
Decreasing the activation energy required.
What is the advantage of enzymes in the body.
Speeds up rate of reaction as less energy is required. Therefore reactions can take place at a lower temperature.
What is the name of the molecule formed when a substrate binds to the active site of an enzyme?
Enzyme-substrate complex.
Explain the induced fit model in 4 steps.
- As the substrate binds to the enzyme the enzyme shape changes.
- This changes the shape of the active site where the enzyme can bind.
- This puts a strain on the substrate and therefore distorts certain bond(s) and breaks them.
- The products are released.
Give two ways you can measure the rate of enzyme reaction. Give an example for each.
- Measuring the rate of production of a PRODUCT. e.g. volume of oxygen produced in a certain amount of time due to the enzyme catalase acting on hydrogen peroxide.
- Measuring the rate of disappearance of a substrate. e.g. concentration of starch when it is acted upon by amylase.