Protein Structure Flashcards
Define primary structure of a protein:
sequence of amino acids
Define secondary structure of a protein:
simple, repetitive motifs that are found in almost all proteins
Define tertiary structure of a protein:
overall fold of the protein
Define quaternary structure of a protein:
when several proteins fold together
Does a peptide bond have a full or partial double bond character?
partial
Work out the peptide bond length (take into account a partial double bond):
C - N single bond = 1.49 A
C = N double bond = 1.27 A
Peptide bond = 1.32 A
How can a structure of an amino acid in polypeptide be adjusted?
Rotation about two pure single bonds
What are the types of angle of rotations that can determine the path of a polypeptide chain?
Phi and Psi
What is Phi?
The angle of rotation about the bond between the nitrogen and the a-carbon atom
What is Psi?
The angle of rotation about the carbonyl carbon atom and a-carbon atom
Are all combinations of Phi and Psi possible?
Many combination are forbidden due to steric collisions between atoms
Who recognised that not all combinations of phi and psi are possible?
Ramachandran et al in 1963
Psi and phi can be visualised on a two dimensional plot. What is it called?
Ramachandran Plot
Do highly flexible polymers with large number of possible conformations fold into unique structures?
No
What are 3 types of secondary structures of proteins?
- Alpha helix
- Beta Sheet
- Turns and loops
The Ramachandran Plot is split into 4 squares on a graph. Where would you find an alpha helix?
Bottom right
The Ramachandran Plot is split into 4 squares on a graph. Where would you find a left handed alpha helix?
Top left
The Ramachandran Plot is split into 4 squares on a graph. Where would you find a parallel B-sheet?
Top right
The Ramachandran Plot is split into 4 squares on a graph. Where would you find an anti-parallel B-sheet?
Top right
Which is more common the right handed or left handed alpha helix?
The right handed alpha helix
What is a hydrogen bond?
Partially electrostatic attraction between a hydrogen and a more electronegative atom which bears a lone pair of electrons
Alpha Helix: What is the number of residues?
3.6