Polymers and Life Flashcards
what groups does an amino acid have
a basic amino group and an acidic carboxyl group - this makes them amphoteric (has both acidic and basic properties)
what is a zwitterion
an overall neutral molecule that has both a positive and negative charge in different parts of the molecule
when can an amino acid only exist as a zwitterion
near its isoelectric point - the pH where the overall charge is zero (differs depending on R group)
How can you identify amino acids in a mixture
paper chromatography
how to make amino acids on chromatography paper visible
spray ninhydrin solution - turns them purple
Rf value formula
distance travelled by spot/ distance travelled by solvent
what kind of polymers are proteins
condensation polymers
what bonds join amino acid monomers
peptide link
what are the amino acid monomers in the protein chain known as
amino acid residues
how can you hydrolyse an amino acid
add hydrochloric acid and heat under reflux - this produces ammonium salts. the final mixture is neutralised using a base.
what is the primary structure of a protein
the sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain
what is the secondary structure of a protein
folding of the polypeptide chain due to hydrogen bonds - firms alpha helixes and beta pleated sheets
what is the tertiary structure of a protein
folding of the polypeptide chain into its specific 3D shape
