Protein Flashcards
What are essential amino acids?
Amino acids that can not be manufactured by the body so they must be taken from the foods we eat. Adults require 8 and children require 10.
How is a peptide link formed?
A peptide link is formed when the acidic group (COOH) of one amino acid joins with the alkaline group (NH2) of another amino acid with the loss of a water molecule in a condensation reaction. Hydrolysis occurs in digestion and is the addition of a water molecule.
Examples of 4 essential amino acids and 4 non essential amino acids.
Essential - lysine, valine, phenylalanine and arginine (children).
Non essential- glycine, cystine, cysteine, urease.
Primary structure of an amino acid
Amino acids are joined together by peptide links. The arrangement of amino acids along the peptide chain is the primary structure. Eg. Insulin is one of the simplest proteins and has 50 amino acids.
Secondary structure of protein.
Involves the folding of the primary structure. It either folds on itself or cross links with other aa. This causes the chain to cool and form a spiral shape.
