Yr I Chemistry & Biochemistry II Flashcards
What are amino acids?
Building blocks of proteins
Which 4 elements form amino acids?
Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen
Which element distinguishes amino acids from fats and carbohydrates?
Nitrogen
How many different amino acids does the body need?
20
Which 2 groups does each amino acid have?
Carboxyl group (acid) COOH
Amino group NH3
What determines the characteristics of each amino acid?
Side chain labelled R
How do amino acids join together?
Dehydration synthesis (removing water) to create peptide bonds
Name 2 amino acids joined
Dipeptide
Name 3 amino acids joined
Tripeptide
Example of a harmful dipeptide
Aspartame
Why is aspartame harmful
Neurotoxin excited brain cells
Carcinogenic
Example of a powerful antioxidant tripeptide?
Glutathione
Which 3 amino acids does glutathione contain?
L-cysteine
L-glutamate
L-glycine
Which amino acid commonly limits glutathione production?
L-cysteine
3 L-cysteine rich foods
Legumes
Sunflower seeds
Eggs
What affects the 3d structure of amino acids and therefore their function
Th surrounding fluid’s pH
Example of an amino acid changing structure
Ceviche - acid turns fish opaque
What can amino acids with acidic side chains do?
Release hydrogen ions
What can amino acids with basic side chains do?
Bind to hydrogen ions
Which type of amino acid is hydrophobic
Non polar amino acids
Which type of amino acid is hydrophilic?
Polar
Example of a non-polar (hydrophobic amino acid)
Tryptophan - used to produce serotonin to stimulate gut motility and digestive juices
Example of a polar (hydrophilic) amino acid
Tyrosine - used to create adrenaline and thyroxine.
What determines the unique shape of a protein?
Combination of polar and non polar amino acids
What are haemoglobin, ferritin, albumin, collagen and insulin
Types of protein
5 functions of protein
- body structure
- movement - actin and myosin
- storage - ferritin
- carrier - haemoglobin
- enzyme reactions in the body
2 factors that can denature proteins
Heat
Heavy metals
Example of a protein being denature by heat
Egg white
What heavy metals can denature proteins in the body
Lead and mercury
2 chelating agents that can bind to heavy metals in the body
Coriander and chlorella
What does the body use to help digest proteins and break down the peptide bonds in amino acids?
Enzymes
What type of reaction can help break the bonds in proteins
Hydrolysis
Where does the body start to break down proteins?
In the mouth. Chewing increases the surface area