Uncommon Amino Acids Flashcards
What part of common amino acids stays the same in uncommon amino acids?
The core structure: amino group, carboxyl, and a side chain
How are uncommon amino acids created?
Modifications to common amino acids already in the protein, or genetically encoded
Where are 4-hydroxyproline and 5-hydroxylysine found?
Collagen. 4-hydroxyproline is part of the core structure and 5-hydroxylysine is for cross-linking the polypeptide chains together
Which vitamin is required to synthesize 4-hydroxyproline and 5-hydroxylysine?
Vitamin C
What is the function of 6-N-methyllysine?
Epigenetics and muscle function. Histone lysines get modified
What is the function of gamma-carboxyglutamate?
Calcium binding
Which vitamin is required to make gamma-carboxyglutamate?
Vitamin K
Where is desmosine found?
Elastin
How is desmosine formed?
Cross-linking 4 lysine
What type of proteins is selenocysteine found?
Redox proteins
How is selenocysteine created?
Genetically encoded and incorporated during protein synthesis
How does the modification in selenocysteine contribute to the function of the protein it is in?
Selenium is great at gaining and losing electrons, which allows it to participate in redox reactions
How is selenomethionine created?
Not naturally occurring, but a valuable research tool
What type of organisms produce pyrrolysine?
Methanogens
How is pyrrolysine created?
Genetically encoded and incorporated during protein synthesis
