Proteins Flashcards
What elements do proteins contain?
CHO, nitrogen (+ sometimes sulfur)
What are the monomers of proteins?
Amino acids
What do amino acids join together to form?
Polypeptides
What is the generalised structure of an amino acid?
R
|
H2N—C—COOH
|
H
What bonds are amino acids joined together by?
Peptide bonds (-CONH-) formed by condensation reactions
What does the primary structure of a protein represent?
- Refers to the sequence of amino acids in the polypeptide chain
- Determines specific shape of the protein
What does the secondary structure of a protein represent?
- Represents the folding or coiling of the polypeptide chain (as a result of hydrogen bonding between amino acids)
What does the secondary structure include?
Alpha helix OR
Beta-pleated sheet
What does the tertiary structure of a protein represent?
- Formed by further folding and coiling of secondary structure (due to hydrogen bonds, ionic bonds and disulfide bonds)
What is the formation of the bonds in the tertiary structure?
- They form in places determined by the sequence of amino acids in the primary structure
- They form between the R groups of amino acids
What does the NH2 represent?
Amine group
What does the COOH represent?
Carboxyl group
What does R represent?
A side chain
How do the 20 common amino acids differ?
Only by their side group
How are dipeptides formed?
By the condensation of two amino acids
