Proteins - amino acid diversity Flashcards
(16 cards)
How many amino acids are commonly found in proteins?
20
How many amino acids have been found in nature?
Around 500
How many amino acids can be naturally synthesized within cells by humans?
11
What are the amino acids that must be included in the human diet called?
Essential amino acids (there are 9)
What is the abbreviation for glycine?
Gly
What is an R-group?
A variable group that differentiates each amino acid
What determines whether an amino acid is acidic or basic?
The properties of the R-group
What is the simplest R-group found in amino acids?
A hydrogen atom
What type of R-group is found in glycine?
Hydrogen atom
What is the role of the R-group in proteins?
It gives the basis of diversity in protein function and form
What happens to the carboxyl and amine groups of amino acids in a neutral environment?
They ionise
What charge does the carboxyl group acquire after donating a hydrogen ion?
Negative charge
What charge does the amine group acquire after accepting a hydrogen ion?
Positive charge
Are hydrophilic R-groups polar or non-polar?
Polar
Are hydrophobic R-groups polar or non-polar?
Non-polar
Fill in the blank: The R-group can vary from a simple _______ to complex aromatic ring structures.
Hydrogen atom
