Protein structure

Question 1

What is the general structure of a protein?

Answer 1

Carboxyl group (-COOH)
Amine group (-NH2)
R group (Variable group)

Question 2

Describe the primary structure of a protein.

Answer 2

A unique sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain.

Question 3

Describe the secondary structure of a protein.

Answer 3

Hydrogen bonds form between amino acids and back bone groups - coils into alpha helix or folds into beta a pleated sheet.

Question 4

Describe the tertiary structure of a protein.

Answer 4

Coiled of folded chain is often coiled and folded further. More bonds form - hydrogen, ionic and disulfide bridges. Forms a 3D shape.

Question 5

Describe the quaternary structure of a protein.

Answer 5

Only occurs when there are 2 or more polypeptide chains in a protein. Proteins may also have a non polypeptide subunit - haemoglobin, insulin, collagen. Final 3D structure.