Proteins Flashcards
Define Proteome.
All the proteins that are expressed by a cell or organism at a given time.
Define Enzyme.
An organic molecule, typically a protein, that catalyses (speeds up) specific reactions.
Define Peptide Hormone.
A protein signalling molecule thst regulates physiology or behaviour.
Define Antibody.
A protein produced by plasma cells during the adaptive immune response that is specific to an antigen and combats pathogens in a variety of ways. Also known as immunoglobulin.
Define Protein.
A bio macromolecule made of amino acid chains folded into a 3D shape.
Define Polypeptide.
A long chain of amino acids. Proteins can be made of one or more polypeptides.
Define Carboxyl Group.
The functional group on amino acid molecules that contains a hydroxyl group (OH) and an oxygen double-bonded to a carbon atom.
Define Amino Group.
The functional group on amino acid molecules that is made up of one nitrogen and two hydrogens (NH2)
Define R-group.
The variable portion of an amino acid molecule. It can be one of twenty variations and determines the identity of the amino acid.
Define Monomer.
A molecule that is the smallest building block of a polymer.
Define Polymer.
A large molecule that is made up of small, repeated monomer subunits.
Define Condensation Reaction.
A reaction where two monomers join to form a larger molecule, producing water as a by-product.
Define Peptide Bond.
The chemical bond linking two amino acids.
Define Primary Structure.
The first level of protein structure, which refers to the sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain.
Define secondary Structure.
The level of protein struxture where the amino acid chain forms either alpha-helices, beta-pleated sheets, or random coils.
Define Tertiary Structure.
The functional 3D shape of a polypeptide chain.
Define Quaternary Structure.
The level of protein structure where multiple polypeptide chains bond together, or other non-protein groups are added to form a fully functional protein.
Define Alpha Helix.
An organised coiled secondary structure of proteins.
Define Beta-pleated Sheet.
An organised folded secondary structure of proteins.
Define Random Coil.
An irregular secondary structure of proteins that is neither an alpha helix nor a beta-pleated sheet.
Define Disulphide Bond.
A strong covalent bond occuring between two sulphur atoms.
Define Prosthetic Group.
A non-protein group bound to a protein. For example, a vitamin or ion.
