proteins term Flashcards
proteins
the predominant structural and functional materials in every cell, chains of amino acids bonded by peptide bonds
amino acid
structure of a central carbon atom attached to a hydrogen, an acidic carboxyl group (COOH), an amino group (NH2), and an organic side chain (also called an R group)
acid group
carboxyl group (COOH)
amine group
amino group (NH2)
side chain
R group
peptide bonds
a chain of amino acids
essential amino acid
nine that cannot be made by the body (“essential” to obtain them from the diet)
nonessential amino acid
can be synthesized in the body from other amino acids or by adding nitrogen to carbon containing structures
conditionally essential amino acid
under certain conditions, some nonessential amino acids cannot be synthesized and must be consumed in the diet
precursor
a substance or cell from which another substance or cell is formed
denaturation
the alteration (unfolding) of a protein’s shape, which changes the structure and function of the protein
amino acid pools
amino acids stored in blood and cells for protein synthesis
protein turnover
process of continuous breakdown and synthesis of protein from its amino
urea
an organic compound formed when nitrogen and protein break down and is the main component of human urine
dna
contains instructions for protein synthesis in the cell nucleus
