AA, proteins and DNA Flashcards
(35 cards)
functional groups of AA
NH2 and COOH
how many naturally occurring AA are there in the body
20
what type of AA are found in the body
alpha
the NH2 is always on the carbon next to COOH
generic formula for an alpha AA
R I H2N - C - COOH I H
which enantiomer do alpha AA exist as in nature
- enantiomer
is the product from AA being synthesises naturally optically active
no
a racemix is formed as the CN- can attack from above or below the planar C=O
in what form do AA exist as solids
zwitterions
what colour are zwitterions
white solids
zwitterion
ions which have both a permanent positive and negative charge but are neutral overall
zwitterion AA
R I H3N+ - C - COO- I H
what happens to AA in acidic conditions
gains a proton on NH2 group
what happens to AA in alkaline conditions
loses a proton from COOH group
peptide linkage
CONH
what name is given to chains of AA up to 50 AA
polypeptide
what name is given to a chain of AA with more than 50
proteins
conditions needed for hydrolysis to occur
6 mol dm3
HCl
reflux for 24 hours
primary structure
sequence of AA along the protein chain bonded by covalent bonds
secondary structure
shape of the protein chain
how is the secondary structure held together
hydrogen bonding
tertiary shape of a protein
alpha helix or beta pleated sheet is folded into a complex 3D shape
how is the tertiary structure held together
hydrogen bonding
ionic interactions
disulphide bridges
van der waals
what is TLC plate made of
plastic sheet coated with silica
this is the stationary phase
describe the process of TLC
spot the samples onto a pencil line a few cm above the base
place this in a beaker with solvent lower than the pencil line
wait until the solvent front is almost at the top of the plate
remove and analyse
how do you calculate the Rf value
distance moved by that substance divided by the distance moved by the solvent front