2b. Protein and enzymes Flashcards
(39 cards)
what elements do proteins contain
C H O N
What is a protein
A polymer made of one or more chains of amino acid monomers - a polypeptide
Some proteins are conjugated - have other chemicals within their structures
What are amino acids made of
An amine
A carboxyl group
A side chain
what is the general structure of an amino acid
R
H2N- C - COOH
H
What is a polypeptide
Many amino acids linking together by a condensation reaction
How do amino acids form chains
By linking together.
2 Amino acids join to form a dipeptide
The bond between amino acids is a dipeptide bond
Condensation reaction
What is the primary structure of proteins
The sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain
What is the secondary structure of proteins
The folding of regions of the polypeptide chain due to the formation of many weak H-bonds.
Produces either an alpha helix or a beta-pleated sheet
What is the tertiary structure of a protein
The further folding of the whole chain into a specific shape.
Stabilised by ionic bonds, hydrogen bonds, and disulphide bonds.
It’s the specific shape of the tertiary structure that determines its function
What happens to a protein is subjected to high temperatures or extreme pH
It can become denatured.
H-Bonds break first as they are very weak
Disulphide bonds are stronger and can withstand higher temperatures.
When bonds break the tertiary stucture is lost and the protein loses its function
What is the quaternary structure of a protein
Found in proteins made out of more than one polypeptide chain
What are the different types of protein shape
Globular
Fibrous
What is a fibrous protein
Form long chains running parallel to each other with cross-bridges between the chains.
Produces very stable molecules like collagen.
Tend to have a structural role in organisms
What are globular proteins
Carry out metabolic functions
e.g enzymes and haemoglobin
How do you test for proteins
Biuret test
What is the biuret test
- Add biuret solution to a sample of the solution to be tested
-Pale blue -> Lilac
What is chromatography used for
Used to separate mixtures of monosaccharides or amino acids.
Molecules have a different molecular size and solubilities.
The smaller or more soluble the molecule, the further is will move
What is an Rf value used for and what is the calculation
To identify the spots that appear on the chromatogram and compare with different chromatographs with the same solvents.
Rf = Distance from origin to solute / Distance from origin to solvent front
What is activation energy
The minimum amount of energy required for a chemical reaction to take place
What are enzymes
biological catalysts which increase the rate of a reaction by lowering the activation energy
What happens to cells without enzymes
The temperature in living cells would be too low for chemical molecules to react fast enough to support life
What are the different types of enzymes
Intracellular (inside cells) and extracellular (outside cells)
How does ezymes structure relate to its function
Globular protein molecules so each enzyme and its active site has a specific tertiary structure and shape
How do enzymes bind
Enzymes usually only work on the substrate which molecular shape is complementary to the active site.
They combine reversibly to form an enzyme-substrate complex