Proteins, Amino Acids Flashcards
What are proteins made of?
One or more chains of amino acids
What are the chains of amino acids called?
Polypeptide chains
What is a peptide bond?
Covalent bonds between amino acids loose water through dehydration to form peptide bonds
What important groups of substances in the body are proteins?
Enzymes
Antibodies
Hormones
Carrier molecules
Give an example of a protein which is water soluble?
Hormones
Give an example of a protein which is not water soluble?
Collagen
What are proteins essential for?
Growth and maintenance
What are the 7 types of main proteins in the body?
Enzymes
Defensive
Signal
Contractive
Structural
Storage
Transport
What is the structure of an amino acid?
Carbon atom bonded to a hydrogen, amino group, carboxyl group and a variable side chain
What does the variable R side chain do?
Gives differing functions
What is it called when proteins twist around eachother?
Helices
What is it called when proteins form flatter sheet structures?
Beta sheets
The different protein structures are decided into 4 types, what are these?
Primary
Secondary
Tertiary
Quaternary
How do proteins maintain water solubility?
Hydrophobic groups are on inside, hydrophilic groups are on outside
What is an essential protein?
Cannot be made by the body, must be injested
What is a non essential protein?
It is made in our body
When can proteins be used for energy? Give an example?
When there are insufficient carbohydrates. E.g. starvation
Proteins are buffers what does this mean?
They try to neutralise their solution
