Proteins: Amino Acids Flashcards
What makes each amino acid unique
The side group
How many types of amino acids can proteins be made up of
20
How many amino acids are essential
9
The nine essential amino acids are
Histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, valine
The three main classes of proteins are
Globular
Fibrous
Membrane
Explain the primary structure of a protein
The amino acid sequence
Describe the secondary structure of a protein
Regularly repeating local structures stabilised by hydrogen bonds. Example is an alpha helix
Describe the tertiary structure in a protein
The 3D folds
Describe the quaternary structure of a protein
Multiple folded proteins binded together
How can proteins regulate fluid balance
By attracting water via osmosis
Removing the nitrogen from an amino acid allows it to do what
Become an energy source
How is ammonia from the amino group in an amino acid excreted
It is converted into urea in the liver and excreted in urine
What happens if the maximal rate of urea synthesis is passed
Ammonia will build up in the body having toxic effects
What happens in ketosis
Amino acids not required for structural/functional purposes converted to ketone bodies as a source of energy for the brain when glucose is low
Where do amino acids enter the metabolic cycle if they are to be used for energy
As acetyl groups before the TCA cycle
