paper 1: Proteins and Enzymes Flashcards
what is the definition of an amino acid
the monomers from which proteins are made
what is the definition of a dipeptide
two amino acids joined together by condensation
what is the definition of a polypeptide
many amino acids formed together by condensation
what is the definition of a peptide bond
forms during a condensation reaction between the amine group of one amino acid and the carboxyl group of another amino acid
define the primary structure of a protein
the sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain. it determines the rest of the structure
define the secondary structure of a protein
the folding of the polypeptide chain into an alpha helix or beta plated sheet because of hydrogen bonding between NH group of one amino acid and the C=O group of another
define the tertiary structure of a protein
the foldingof he polypeptide chain into a specific 3D shape held together by hydrogen bonds, ionic bonds and disulfide bridges between R groups of different amino acids
define the quaternary structure of a protein
the arrangement of more than one polypeptide chain
define an alpha helix
polypeptide chain is wound round to form a helix and is held together by many hydrogen bonds making it a very stable and strong structure
define a beta pleated sheet
the poltpeptide chain zig-zags back and forth forming a sheet of antiparallel strands held together by many hydrogen bonds
what is the Biuret Test
- the test for proteins
- add biuret solution to sample
- there will be a colour change from blue to lilac if protein is present
define an enzyme
biological catalysts that speed up the rate of reaction by decreasing the activation energy needed for a chemical reaction
define activation energy
the minimum amount of energy required for a chemical reaction to occur
define the active site of an enzyme
the region of an enzyme with a specific 3D tertiary structure that is complimentary to a specific substrate molecule
define enzyme-substrate complex
forms when a specific substrate binds to the active site of an enzyme
define complimentary
fits into
explain how enzymes are highly specific
- enzyme combines with only one specific substrate
- as enzyme has specific tertiary structure and so the active site has a specific shape which is only complementary to one type of substrate
- substrate binds to active site to form an enzyme substrate complex
what is the basic structure of an amino acid
draw a diagram showing the condensation of 2 amino acids:
describe the induced fit hypothesis
- before the reaction the active site is not fully complimentary to the substrate.
- when substrate binds, this causes the tertiary structure of the enzyme to change which causes the active site to change shape so that it becomes complimentary to the substrate.
- an enzyme substrate complex forms which causes the bonds in the substrate to bend so that they break more easily which reduces activation energy
how do enzymes lower the activation energy
the shape of the active site alters as substrate binds to it. This stresses the bonds which cause them to break more easily.
draw the graph representing the effect of temperature on enzyme activity
describe and explain the effect of temperature on enzyme activity
- initially the rate of enzyme action increases as temperature increases because the substrate and enzymes are given more kinetic energy so there are more likely to be more successful collisions which form more enzyme-substrate complexes
- beyond the optimum temperature, rate of enzyme action decreases because the enzymes denature as hydrogen bonds break, changing the 3D tertiary structure of the active site so it is no longer complimentary to the substrate. no enzyme-substrate complexes can form
why is the rate of enzyme action slow at 0 degrees but not 0?
the enzyme and substrate molecules have some kinetic energy so some enzyme-substrate complexes can still form.