Proteins Flashcards
Describe the functions of proteins
Proteins have a huge range of functions within the body. o Movement o Protection o Transport o Enzymes o Receptors o Structural o Storage o Hormones o Control of gene expression
Define the primary structure of a protein
The sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain. This is the source of versatility in protein structure and function.
Define the secondary structure of a protein
The spatial arrangement of amino acid residues that are near each other in the linear sequence.
• Alpha Helices
A telephone cord shape held in place by H Bonds between the N-H group and the C=O group of the amino acid in the next turn of the helix.
• Beta Sheet
The pleated structure is held together by H bonds between the amide groups of linear polypeptide chains.
Define the tertiary structure of a protein
The spatial arrangement of amino acid residues that are far apart in the linear sequence. This depends on: • Van der Waals • Ionic Interactions • Hydrogen Bonding • Disulphide bridges • Hydrophobic interactions
Define the quarternary structure of a protein
Refers to the spatial arrangement of individual polypeptide chains in a multi-subunit protein.
Define the 4 classes of naturally occurring amino acids.
Basic
Acidic
Uncharged polar
Polar
Name some acidic amino acids
- Aspartic Acid
* Glutamic Acid
Name some basic amino acids
- Lysine
- Arginine
- Histidine
HAL is basic af
Name some uncharged polar amino acids
- Asparagine
- Glutamine
- Serine
- Threonine
- Tyrosine
STTAG (e.g. stag horns)
Name some polar amino acids
- Glycine
- Alanine
- Valine
- Leucine
- Isoleucine
- Proline
- Phenylalanine
- Methionine
- Tryptophan
- Cysteine
Name some sulphur containing amino acids
Cysteine
Methionine
Name some aromatic amino acids
Phenylalanine
Tyrosine
Tryptophan
Describe the basic structure of an amino acid
Amino acids are biologically important organic compounds containing amine (-NH2) and carboxylic acid (-COOH) functional groups, along with a side-chain (R group) specific to each amino acid
How many codons are there in the genetic code?
64, some redundancy
What occurs in protein denaturation?
- Denaturation of proteins involves the disruption and possible destruction of both the secondary and tertiary structures.
- Denaturation reactions are not strong enough to break the peptide bonds, so the primary structure remains the same after a denaturation process