N5S3 - Variety and Functions of Proteins - 1.8

Question 1

What factors does the sequence of amino acids in proteins decide?

Answer 1

It decides the shape of the final protein, so different proteins have different 3D shapes.

Question 2

What factors does the 3D shape of a protein decide?

Answer 2

It determines a protein’s function and what it can interact with.

Question 3

List 5 common proteins in the body

Answer 3

1. Enzymes
2. Hormones
3. Antibodies
4. Receptors
5. Structural

Question 4

What is an enzyme?

Answer 4

Enzymes are proteins that function as biological catalysts and are made by all living cells. They speed up cellular reactions and are unchanged in the process.

Question 5

What is a hormone?

Answer 5

Hormones are chemical messengers transported in an animal’s blood to ‘target’ tissues where they cause a certain effect.

Question 6

What is an antibody?

Answer 6

Antibodies are proteins made by white blood cells to defend the body against micro-organisms that could cause disease.

Question 7

What is a receptor?

Answer 7

Receptors are proteins that allow communication between cells. They are usually in a cell’s membrane that recognises and fits the signal molecule perfectly.

Question 8

What is a structural protein?

Answer 8

They are vital structural components of the cell membrane and of the membrane that encloses each of the cell organelles.

Question 9

Why does the 3D shape of a protein determines its function?

Answer 9

This is because proteins form attachments and interact with many other molecules and structures inside organisms.