Proteins

Question 1

What are proteins made of?

Answer 1

composed of amino acids

Amino acids form polypeptide chains, which form proteins

Question 2

4 levels of protein structure

Answer 2

Primary: linear sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain
Secondary: development of alpha helix or beta sheet
Tertiary: development of 3-D structure
Quaternary: most complex level, ability to perform different functions (ex: as an enzyme)

Question 3

Important enzymes we’ve discussed

Answer 3

ATP synthase, RUBISCO, NITROGENASE, Kinases

Question 4

ATP synthase

Answer 4

generates power within a cell

Question 5

RUBISCO

Answer 5

catalyzes (causes) carbon fixation in the Calvin Cycle, thus playing a critical role in this part of photosynthesis

Question 6

Nitrogenase

Answer 6

catalyzes (causes) the conversion of nitrogen gas (N2) to ammonia (NH3) → this is the first step in the nitrogen cycle (nitrogen fixation)

Heterocysts are specialized for N2 fixation by nitrogenase, maintaining a low oxygen level because oxygen prevents nitrogenase from functioning

Question 7

Kinases

Answer 7

enzymes that transfer a P (phosphate) group from ATP to another molecule

Adding a phosphate group activates a protein