Amino acids and proteins Flashcards
(8 cards)
1
Q
Amphoteric meaning
A
Have acidic and basic properties - amino acids are amphoteric
2
Q
Which amino acid is not optically active?
A
Glycine is the only amino acid that is not optically active
3
Q
What is a zwitterion?
A
Has both a positive and negative charge
4
Q
What reaction takes place when a dipeptide is formed?
A
Condensation reaction
5
Q
What is a dipeptide?
A
Two amino acids joined by a peptide linkage
6
Q
How does the tertiary structure hold itself together?
A
Interactions between the R groups (hydrogen bonds, ionic, disulphide, van der waal’s)
7
Q
Hydrolysis of proteins
A
If a protein is heated with concentrated HCl it is hydrolysed and split back into two amino acids
8
Q
How is the makeup of a protein determined?
A
