Proteins (1) Flashcards
Draw the structure of an amino acid.
Look at notes
What is the COOH group?
carboxyl/carboxylic group
What is the NH2 group?
amine/amino group
What is the R group?
variable side group which consists of a carbon chain and may include other functional groups e.g. benzene ring or -OH (alcohol)
How many amino acids are there?
20
How do different amino acids differ?
differ only by the side ‘R’ group
What bond forms between 2 amino acids?
peptide bond
Where is the peptide bond between 2 amino acids?
H of one and OH of another
What is used to test for proteins?
biuret reagent
What does biuret reagent do?
confirms presence of peptide bonds, which shows proteins are present
How do you test for proteins?
1) add an equal volume of sodium hydroxide to sample at room temperature
2) add drops of dilute copper (II) sulfate solution and swirl to mix
3) positive result = change from blue to purple
(first 2 steps make biuret reagent)
What is a dipeptide?
2 amino acids
What is a polypeptide?
3 or more amino acids
How do dipeptides and polypeptides form?
When a condensation reaction forms a peptide bond between 2 amino acids
What is the primary structure of a protein?
sequence, number and type of amino acids in the polypeptide
What determines the primary structure of a protein?
the sequence of codons on mRNA
What is the secondary structure of a protein?
- where H bonds form between partially negative O and partially positive Nitrogen
- 2 types: alpha-helix and beta-pleated sheets
What is the tertiary structure of a protein?
- 3D structure formed by further folding of polypeptide
- has disulfide bridges, ionic bonds and hydrogen bonds
What is the structure of the alpha-helix?
- all nitrogen-hydrogen bonds on same side of protein chain
- spiral shape
- H-bonds parallel to helical axis
What is the structure of the beta-pleated sheets?
nitrogen-hydrogen and carbon monoxide groups alternate from one side to the other