proteins. Flashcards
1
Q
Describe how a dipeptide is formed from two amino acids.
A
- Condensation reaction
- The OH of the carboxylic acid group in one amino acid bonds with a H atom from the amino group of the other amino acid
- This produces water
- Forms a peptide bond
2
Q
Define the term primary structure.
A
The sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain.
3
Q
Describe how the secondary structure of a protein is formed.
A
- The polypeptide chains coil to form an alpha helixes
- Or fold to form a beta pleated sheet
4
Q
Describe how the tertiary structure of a protein is formed (include details of the different bonds that hold the protein in its tertiary structure).
A
- The alpha helixes and beta pleated sheets coil and fold further.
- Held in place by lots of bonds:
- Ionic bonds between amino acids of opposite charge
- Hydrogen bonds between amino acids with slight charges
- Disulphide bonds that form between sulphur atoms in two cysteine amino acids
- Hydrophilic interactions – hydrophilic amino acids are found on the outside of the protein.
5
Q
Describe two examples of where the tertiary structure of a protein is crucial to its function.
A
- Enzymes
- Shape of active site is specific
- And complementary to the substrate
- If the tertiary shape is altered, the enzyme can’t hydrolyse the substrate - Hormones
- Shape is specific and complementary
- To the receptor
- If the tertiary shape is altered the hormone won’t combine with the receptor
6
Q
Define the term quaternary structure.
A
A protein made up of different polypeptide chains
7
Q
Define the term conjugated protein.
A
- A protein with a non-protein group attached.
- The non-protein group is called a prosthetic group
8
Q
- Describe the general structure of a globular protein.
A
- Spherical
- Amino acids with hydrophilic R groups are on the outside
- Soluble
9
Q
Structure of haemoglobin.
A
- Four polypeptide chains
- Each polypeptide chain has a haem group as a prosthetic group.
- Each haem group contains iron.
10
Q
Function of haemoglobin.
A
To carry oxygen in erythrocytes.
11
Q
Str
A