PROTEIN SECTION LECTURE #2

Question 1

What percentage of body weight do proteins typically account for?

Answer 1

Proteins typically account for about 15% of body weight.

Question 2

Name two types of structural proteins.

Answer 2

Collagen and muscle are two types of structural proteins.

Question 3

What type of protein is amylase?

Answer 3

Amylase is an enzyme protein.

Question 4

Can you list two transport proteins

Answer 4

Albumin and hemoglobin are two transport proteins mentioned.

Question 5

What is the role of protective proteins?

Answer 5

Protective proteins play roles in the immune system, such as antibodies, and in blood clotting.

Question 6

What are contractile proteins, and where are they found?

Answer 6

Contractile proteins responsible for movement
found in muscle

Question 7

What type of protein is insulin classified as?

Answer 7

Insulin is classified as a protein-derived hormone.

Question 8

What function do proteins have in fluid balance?

Answer 8

Proteins help maintain fluid balance through osmosis.

Question 9

Are proteins commonly used by the body for fuel?

Answer 9

No, proteins are generally not used for fuel.

Question 10

What function do proteins serve in pH regulation?

Answer 10

Proteins act as buffers to help regulate pH levels in the body.

Question 11

What are the basic building blocks for all proteins?

Answer 11

Amino acids are the basic building blocks for all proteins.

Question 12

What common structural components do all amino acids have?

Answer 12

All amino acids have a central carbon atom, a hydrogen atom, an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a variable “R” side chain.

Question 13

What determines the different properties of amino acids?

Answer 13

The different features of the “R” side chain determine the different properties of amino acids.

Question 14

What is the difference between essential and nonessential amino acids?

Answer 14

Essential amino acids cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained from the diet, while nonessential amino acids can be synthesized by the body.

Question 15

Can you name three essential amino acids?

Answer 15

Three essential amino acids are lysine, leucine, and valine.

Question 16

What are conditionally essential amino acids and under what circumstances?

Answer 16

Conditionally essential amino acids, such as arginine and glutamine, are not normally required in the diet but must be supplied under special circumstances, like illness or stress.

Question 17

Why might an amino acid be classified as conditionally essential for infants?

Answer 17

An amino acid might be classified as conditionally essential for infants because they have a higher requirement for certain amino acids that are necessary for growth and development, and their bodies may not be able to synthesize enough of them.

Question 18

How do side chains affect amino acids?

Answer 18

Side chains affect the role of amino acids within the body and determine where they reside, such as in cell surfaces or within core structures, and whether they are polar/hydrophilic or non-polar/hydrophobic.

Question 19

What is an aliphatic side chain in an amino acid?

Answer 19

An aliphatic side chain in an amino acid consists of straight or branched carbon chains.

Question 20

Which amino acids have an aromatic side chain?

Answer 20

The amino acids with an aromatic side chain are tryptophan, tyrosine, and phenylalanine.

Question 21

Why are aromatic amino acids unique compared to other types?

Answer 21

Aromatic amino acids are unique because they contain a ring structure in their side chain, which can absorb ultraviolet light and is involved in various chemical reactions due to the stability of the ring structure.

Question 22

What does the net charge of an amino acid indicate?

Answer 22

The net charge of an amino acid indicates its ionic character, which can be neutral (as in zwitterions), acidic with a negative charge (dicarboxylic), or basic with a positive charge (dibasic).

Question 23

What determines the polarity of an amino acid?

Answer 23

The polarity of an amino acid is determined by whether it can interact with water, electrolytes, and minerals, and whether it can accept or donate hydrogen ions.

Question 24

What makes an amino acid polar?

Answer 24

An amino acid is considered polar if it has double bonded oxygen or hydroxyl (OH) groups that are able to donate or accept hydrogen ions.

Question 25

What characterizes a nonpolar amino acid?

Answer 25

A nonpolar amino acid is characterized by having hydrophobic side chains, typically with CH groups.

Question 26

Can you provide an example of how an amino acid’s side chain affects its function in the body?

Answer 26

For example, polar amino acids with hydroxyl groups can interact with water and are therefore more likely to be found on the outside of proteins, interacting with the aqueous cellular environment. Meanwhile, nonpolar amino acids are often found in the interior of proteins, away from water.