Structure of proteins

Question 1

What is primary structure?

Answer 1

The chain of amino acid building blocks (unfolded)

Question 2

What is secondary structure?

Answer 2

The coiling and folding of the polypeptide chain due to bonding between molecules (i.e hydrogen bonds)

Question 3

What are the 2 main types of secondary structures?

Answer 3

The ‘alpha’ helix
The ‘beta’ sheet

Question 4

What is a Tertiary structure?

Answer 4

The overall 3D shape of the entire polypeptide chain

Question 5

What is Quaternary structure?

Answer 5

if the protein consists of 2 or more polypeptide chains, then this complex structure arises from them bonding together.

Question 6

structural, example:

Answer 6

Hair, nails, ligaments

Question 7

catalyse reactions, example:

Answer 7

enzymes

Question 8

contraction example:

Answer 8

Fibers in muscles

Question 9

Transport example:

Answer 9

Haemoglobin carrying oxygen

Question 10

Defence example:

Answer 10

antibodies produced by white blood cells

Question 11

coordination example:

Answer 11

Hormones carrying messages

Question 12

what do Glycoproteins have attached to them?

Answer 12

Carbohydrate molecules attached (receptors)

Question 13

What type of shape do the receptors have?

Answer 13

distinctive shapes (like puzzle peices)

Question 14

What are hormones?

Answer 14

Hormones are proteins released into the bloodstream. They have specific organs/tissues/cells that they act upon.

Question 15

What are antibodies?

Answer 15

Antibodies are produced by white blood cells (lymphocytes specifically B- cells) that recognise and attack invading pathogens

Question 16

What can antibodies recognise?

Answer 16

they can recognise specific antigens (this is why we immunise)

Question 17

why is the 3 dimensional shape of a protein critical to its function

Answer 17

The three-dimensional shape of a protein, also known as its tertiary structure, is critical to its function because it determines the protein’s specific interactions with other molecules, such as substrates, cofactors, and receptors.