Proteins - formation Flashcards
What are proteins made of?
Proteins are polymers made of monomers called amino acids.
Proteins are also classified as macromolecules.
What determines the shape and function of a protein?
The sequence, type, and number of amino acids within a protein.
The arrangement of amino acids affects the protein’s structure and function.
List some functions of proteins in cells.
- Enzymes
- Cell membrane proteins (e.g. carrier)
- Hormones
- Immunoproteins (e.g. immunoglobulins)
- Transport proteins (e.g. haemoglobin)
- Structural proteins (e.g. keratin, collagen)
- Contractile proteins (e.g. myosin)
Proteins play diverse roles necessary for cellular function and life.
What are amino acids?
Amino acids are the monomers of polypeptides.
They are essential for protein synthesis.
How many amino acids are common to all living organisms?
There are 20 amino acids found in polypeptides common to all living organisms.
These amino acids serve as the building blocks for proteins.
What is the general structure of an amino acid?
A central carbon atom (alpha carbon) bonded to:
* An amine/amino group -NH2
* A carboxylic acid/carboxyl group -COOH
* A hydrogen atom
* An R group
The R group varies among amino acids and determines their unique properties.
What is a peptide bond?
A peptide bond is formed when a hydroxyl group (-OH) is lost from one amino acid and a hydrogen atom is lost from another, resulting in a bond between the carbon of one amino acid and the nitrogen of another.
This process is a condensation reaction that releases water.
What is the word equation for the formation of a dipeptide?
amino acid + amino acid → dipeptide.
Dipeptides are formed by the condensation of two amino acids.
What are polypeptides?
Polypeptides are formed by the condensation of three or more amino acids.
Proteins can consist of one or multiple polypeptide chains.
What happens during hydrolysis reactions involving peptides?
During hydrolysis reactions, the addition of water breaks the peptide bonds, resulting in polypeptides being broken down into amino acids.
Hydrolysis is the reverse process of peptide bond formation.
What are non-essential amino acids?
Non-essential amino acids are those that our cells can synthesize from other amino acids.
There are 11 non-essential amino acids.
What are essential amino acids?
Essential amino acids are those that must be obtained through diet; there are nine essential amino acids.
A balanced diet is necessary to ensure adequate intake of these amino acids.
What dietary sources provide all nine essential amino acids?
Meat contains all nine essential amino acids.
Vegetarians and vegans need to ensure a varied diet to obtain all essential amino acids.
Fill in the blank: A healthy, varied, well-balanced diet will contain all the _______ essential amino acids required.
nine
Essential amino acids are crucial for various bodily functions.
