Week 10 - Aa, Peptides + Proteins Flashcards
What process is DNA to mRNA
Transcription
What process is mRNA to Protein
Translation
What does a difference of 1 pH unit indicate?
A 10-fold difference in the conc of H+
What are acids + bases known as in the Brønsted–Lowry definitions?
Acid = proton donor
Base = proton acceptor
What is the system of measurement for the strength of acids + bases
pKa
How can acids donate a proton
Through dissociation
How is incomplete dissociation shown in an equation?
By a double-headed arrow
What does the acid dissociation constant Ka reflect?
Degree to which the acid is dissociated.
What happens with the stronger the acid
Stronger the acid:
- The more its dissociated
- The lower the pH
- The higher the conc of the conjugate base.
= The larger the numerical value for the Ka, the stronger the acid.
What does each aa have
Carboxyl group (a weak acid)
Amino group (a weak base)
Carbon atom identified as the alpha (α)-carbon (because it is adjacent to the acidic carboxyl group) (a.k.a carbon 2)
Variable group known as the side chain + indicated by the letter R.
What is an exception for the general structure of an aa?
Proline
- Has an imino group (—HN—) instead of an amino group
What do all aa have?
At least 1 acid group (proton donor)
At least 1 basic group (proton acceptor)
What are the major acid groups of an aa?
Carboxyl (-COOH)
Ammonium (-NH3+)
What are the major base groups of an aa?
Carboxylate (-COO-)
Amino (-NH2)
Which out of carboxyl + ammonium is the stronger acid?
What does this mean?
Carboxyl is stronger than ammonium
Carboxyl will have a lower pKa value = larger Ka value
