Peptides & Proteins Flashcards
What is a zwitterion?
An amino acid with both acidic and basic properties.
How does low pH affect a zwitterion?
COO- group accepts a proton. The compound is left with a positive charge.
High pH?
NH3+ loses a proton, leaving the chain with an overall negative charge.
What is it called when a carbon is attached to four different groups?
Chirality
Name properties of a chiral compound.
- Asymmetric
- Have optical isomers
How many natural amino acids are there?
20 types.
What makes up the primary structure of proteins?
The sequence of amino acids that are chained together.
What are the 2 types of protein folding?
alpha-helix and beta-pleated sheets.
What holds together beta-pleated sheets?
Hydrogen bonds
What two models exist to study protein structure?
Ribbon model
Space-filling model
What is the role of enzymatic proteins?
To help catalyse the reaction between molecules or help breakdown a molecule by straining the bonds within the compound(s).
Defensive proteins?
To protect against diseases e.g antibodies.
Storage proteins?
To facilitate the storage of amino acids that aren’t being used.
Transport proteins?
To facilitate the relocation of substances.
Hormonal proteins?
To help regulate the activities of cells, tissues organs etc.
