Proteins Front Page Flashcards
1
Q
Basic definition of proteins
A
- Complex macromolecules made up of amino acids held together by peptide bonds
2
Q
Functions of Proteins
A
- They have several roles in a biological system
- Chemical messengers
- membrane-bound protein carriers
- free circulating carriers in blood
- enzymes
- external structures
3
Q
Chemical Messengers
(Protein function)
A
- circulate and communicate between cells
- Ex. Insulin
4
Q
Membrane-bound protein carriers
(Protein function)
A
- Proteins that are embedded in membranes help in cell transport
5
Q
Free circulating carriers in blood
(Protein function)
A
- Ex. Blood pressure, proteins like hemoglobin and albumin
6
Q
Enzymes
(Protein function)
A
- Biological catalysts of numerous types
- help in cellular reactions
7
Q
External structures
(Protein function)
A
- Made up of keratin
- Ex. Hair, feathers, fingernails, horns
8
Q
Generalized structure of proteins
A
- Chains of amino acids folded several times, to make up complex structures
9
Q
How many amino acids are found in the body?
A
- there are 20 different types found circulating in the body
10
Q
How many amino acids can be synthesized by the human body?
A
12
11
Q
How many amino acids must be taken in the diet?
A
8
12
Q
How many different ‘R’ groups are there?
A
20
13
Q
Peptide Bonds
A
- Bonds that form between two adjacent amino acids
- Between carbon and nitrogen
14
Q
What is on the left side of a dipeptide molecule?
A
The Amino or ‘N’ terminus
15
Q
What is on the right side of a dipeptide molecule?
A
The carboxyl or ‘C’ terminus
