Proteins and amino acids Flashcards
What are amino acids
they are the monomers from which proteins are made
How are amino acids joined together
with peptide bonds
Describe the basic structure of an amino acid
A hydrogen, carboxyl group and amine group are linked to a central carbon atom, with the R group on the remaining carbon bond
What makes amino acids different
the content of the R group
How is a sequence of amino acids determined
Using triplet codes in DNA
What is meant by ‘essential amino acids’
Amino acids the body is unable to synthesise that must be taken in through our diets
What does amphoteric mean
properties of acids and alkalis
What are fibrous proteins
Proteins used in structures such as muscles or tendons
What are globular proteins
Proteins that form enzymes, hormones, antibodies and cell membranes
What is the primary structure of a protein
The order of amino acids in a polypeptide chain
What is the secondary structure of a protein
The way the polypeptide chain is folded into either a helix or pleated sheet held in place with hydrogen bonds
What is the tertiary structure of a protein
The way a secondary structure is folded in on itself and held in place with sulphur bridges and ionic bonds. Hydrophobic R groups can also stabilise the structure
What is the quaternary structure of a protein
A protein made of multiple different polypeptide chains
Which protein structure does collagen have
secondary
Which protein structure does haemoglobin have
quaternary
