Protein Structure Flashcards
Name 3 roles of proteins
- Catalysts
- Transporters
- Ion Channels
What determines amino acid sequence?
Nucleotide sequence of a gene
What 4 groups surround a carbon atom in an amino acid?
- Amino group (NH2)
- Carboxyl group (COOH)
- Hydrogen atom (H)
- Distinctive R group (side chain)
How many amino acids are in the body and how are they classified?
- 20 amino acids
- Classified by the chemical properties of the R group
What is an amino acid residue?
The remains of an amino acid after a peptide bond
What is a pK value?
Measure of how likely an amino acid is to ionise and represents acid strength
What does a high pK indicate?
Raised pK means the substance is basic and protonated with more hydrogen ions
What does a low pK indicate?
A low pK means the substance is acidic and deprotonated with less hydrogen ions
What are the four protein structures?
- Primary
- Secondary
- Tertiary
- Quarternary
Name 2 types of protein that exhibit a tertiary structure?
- Fibrous proteins
- Globular proteins
- Water soluble proteins
- Membrane proteins
What does an amino acid sequence determine?
- Chain folding
- Physical characteristics
- Structure and therefore function
What bonds are present in Tertiary and Quarternary structures?
- Covalent
- Ionic
- Hydrogen
- Hydrophobic
- Van dear Waals
What is a Conjugated Protein?
- Proteins with covalently linked chemical compounds
E.G. Lipoproteins, Glycoproteins
What is Protein Denaturation?
Disruption of protein structure caused by bonds breaking
What determines protein folding?
- The amino acid sequence determines folding
- All information for folding is found in the primary sequence
