Protein Function Flashcards
what determines protein structure
- amino acid sequence
what determines protein function
amino acids exposed on exterior of final 3D protein structure (side chains)
why are amino acids unique
- chemical reactivity allows it to act as enzymes, structural support, receptors, motors
briefly define an enzyme
powerful and highly specific catalysts
where does protein-ligand interaction occur
at binding site
what does binding selectivity of a protein need
many weak non-covalent bonds occurring at the same time
- van der waals
- hydrogen bonding (weaker than covalent)
- electrostatic attractions
how are the binding sites of antibodies versatile
- they can make binding sites that bind tightly and very particularly to invading foreign bodies
describe antigen protein structure
- y-shaped
- 4 chains (H+L)
- 2 variable areas (VL + VH)
- length and sequence of loops differ
name the common functional classes of enzymes
hydrolase, nuclease, protease, synthase, isomerase, polymerase, kinase, phosphatase, oxido-reductase, ATPase
what is the biochemical function of hydrolase
catalysis of hydrolytic cleavage reaction
what is the biochemical function of nuclease
breaks down nucleic acid by hydrolyzing bonds between nucleotides
what is the biochemical function of protease
breaks down proteins by hydrolyzing peptide bonds between amino acids
what is the biochemical function of synthase
synthesis of molecules in anabolic reactions by condensing 2 molecules together
what is the biochemical function of isomerase
catalysis rearrangement of bonds within a single molecule
what is the biochemical function of polymerase
catalysis of polymerization reactions such as the synthesis of DNA and RNA
