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NBEO Part 1 > Biochemistry/ Cell Biology/ Microbiology > Flashcards

Biochemistry/ Cell Biology/ Microbiology Flashcards

(68 cards)

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1
Q

What are the building blocks of proteins?

A

Amino acids

There are roughly 20 amino acids that serve as the building blocks of proteins.

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2
Q

How many amino acids are typically found in human proteins?

A

Roughly 20

These amino acids are used in human peptides and proteins.

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3
Q

What are some functions of proteins?

A

Functions of proteins include:
* Transport
* Structure
* Regulatory roles
* Catalyzing reactions

Proteins serve a multitude of different functions in the body.

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4
Q

How many of the 20 amino acids are considered essential?

A

Ten

Essential amino acids cannot be synthesized by the human body.

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5
Q

What are essential amino acids?

A

Amino acids that cannot be synthesized by the human body and are required for normal functioning

Essential amino acids must be acquired through food.

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6
Q

How can non-essential amino acids be produced in the body?

A

They can be fabricated from carbohydrate sources via:
* Tricarboxylic acid cycle
* Glycolysis
* Pentose phosphate shunt

Non-essential amino acids are not required to be obtained from the diet.

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7
Q

List some non-essential amino acids.

A

Non-essential amino acids include:
* Alanine
* Asparagine
* Aspartate
* Cysteine
* Glutamate
* Glutamine
* Glycine
* Proline
* Serine
* Tyrosine

These amino acids can be synthesized by the body.

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8
Q

List some essential amino acids.

A

Essential amino acids include:
* Arginine
* Isoleucine
* Leucine
* Lysine
* Methionine
* Phenylalanine
* Threonine
* Tryptophan
* Valine
* Histidine

The classification of essential vs non-essential may vary between sources.

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9
Q

What is the basic structure of an amino acid?

A

The basic structure includes:
* Hydrogen atom
* Carboxyl group
* Amino group
* R side chain

The R side chain is specific to each amino acid and determines its properties.

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10
Q

What determines the properties of an amino acid?

A

The R side chain

The R side chain varies among different amino acids, influencing their polarity and other properties.

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11
Q

True or False: All amino acids are essential for human functioning.

A

False

Only essential amino acids cannot be synthesized by the body.

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12
Q

What is the primary structure of proteins?

A

Chains of individual amino acids linked together via peptide bonds

The order or sequence of amino acids determines the final structure of the protein.

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13
Q

How are polypeptide chains formed?

A

By three or more amino acids joined together by a covalent bond between the amino group of one amino acid and the carboxyl group of another amino acid

This forms a backbone in a repeating pattern of - N - C - C - N - C - C - N -.

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14
Q

What characterizes the secondary structure of proteins?

A

Folding chains of amino acids into a helix or sheet

Stabilized by hydrogen bonds.

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15
Q

What are the two main types of secondary structures?

A
  • Helices
  • Beta sheets

Helices have R side chains facing away from the center, while beta sheets can be parallel or anti-parallel.

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16
Q

What stabilizes secondary structures in proteins?

A

Hydrogen bonds

These bonds form between the backbone of the amino acids.

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17
Q

What is the tertiary structure of proteins?

A

The final, overall three-dimensional shape of the protein

It results from bonding between the side chains.

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18
Q

What types of bonding can occur in the tertiary structure of proteins?

A
  • Hydrogen bonds
  • Hydrophobic interactions
  • Disulfide bonds
  • Salt bridges

Electrostatic forces are also involved, attracting positively and negatively charged groups.

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19
Q

What are disulfide bonds?

A

Strong, covalent bonds that form when the sulfhydryl groups of cysteine become oxidized

They play a critical role in stabilizing the structure of proteins.

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20
Q

True or False: The primary structure of proteins is stabilized by hydrogen bonds.

A

False

The primary structure is determined by the sequence of amino acids, not stabilized by hydrogen bonds.

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21
Q

What are quaternary proteins classified as?

A

Globular or fibrous

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22
Q

What characterizes quaternary proteins?

A

Oligomeric (created through the bonding of several peptide units)

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23
Q

What are the general characteristics of globular proteins?

A

Compact, water-soluble, and ball-shaped

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24
Q

What is the primary function of most globular proteins?

A

They are enzymes

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25
Give an example of a globular protein.
Hemoglobin
26
What are the characteristics of fibrous proteins?
Elongated, strong, and not water-soluble
27
What is the primary function of fibrous proteins?
They tend to serve a structural function
28
Give an example of a fibrous protein.
Collagen
29
What are acids regarded as?
Proton donors
30
What are bases considered?
Proton acceptors
31
What happens to strong acids in solution?
They completely ionize
32
What happens to weak acids in solution?
They only partially ionize
33
What does the ionization of an acid depend on?
Ka value (acid dissociation constant)
34
What is the formula for Ka?
Ka = [H+][A-]/[HA]
35
What does a higher Ka value indicate?
A greater amount of ionized acid
36
What is the relationship between Ka and pKa?
Inversely related
37
What is the formula for pKa?
pKa = -log(Ka)
38
What indicates a stronger acid, higher Ka or lower pKa?
Higher Ka or lower pKa
39
What does pH measure?
The concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution
40
What does a higher pH correspond to?
A more basic solution
41
What is the formula for pH?
pH = -log[H+]
42
What defines the shape of the cell and serves as protection for the bacteria?
Cell walls ## Footnote Cell walls are crucial for maintaining cell structure and providing protection against environmental stressors.
43
What characterizes Gram-negative cells?
Complex cellular envelopes with a thin layer of peptidoglycan sandwiched between outer and inner membranes ## Footnote Gram-negative bacteria have a more intricate structure compared to Gram-positive bacteria.
44
What is contained within the outer membrane of Gram-negative cells?
Porin proteins and lipopolysaccharides ## Footnote Porin proteins facilitate the passage of nutrients, while lipopolysaccharides play a role in immune responses.
45
What are the components of lipopolysaccharides?
* O side chain (antigen) * Core polysaccharide * Lipid A (endotoxin) ## Footnote These components are important for the structural integrity of the outer membrane and for eliciting immune responses.
46
How does the composition of a Gram-positive cell wall differ from that of a Gram-negative cell wall?
It contains a thick layer of peptidoglycan, teichoic acids, and lipoteichoic acids ## Footnote Gram-positive bacteria have a simpler structure and lack an outer membrane.
47
How many plasma membranes do Gram-positive cells have?
One plasma membrane ## Footnote This is in contrast to Gram-negative cells, which have two plasma membranes.
48
Rhodopsin molecule is found at what location in a Rod photoreceptor?
Membrane of the outer segment *rhodopsin is embedded in the discs of the outer segments of the Rod photoreceptor and absorbs a photon of light, causing an electrical change in membrane of the rod.
49
What are the two main types of secondary structures in proteins?
Alpha helices and beta sheets ## Footnote Secondary structures are formed by folding chains of amino acids.
50
What holds primary structures of proteins together?
Peptide bonds ## Footnote Primary structures are the initial sequences of amino acids.
51
How are secondary structures stabilized?
Hydrogen bonds between peptide bond groups ## Footnote Secondary structures can be in the form of helices or sheets.
52
What characterizes the coiling of alpha helices?
R side chains face away from the center of the helix ## Footnote Alpha helices are a type of secondary structure.
53
What are the two patterns in which beta sheets can be folded?
* Parallel pattern * Anti-parallel pattern ## Footnote In parallel patterns, all N terminals are at the same end; in anti-parallel, N and C terminals alternate.
54
What does tertiary structure refer to in proteins?
The final overall three-dimensional shape of the protein ## Footnote Tertiary structure involves the folding and twisting of the protein.
55
What types of bonding occur in tertiary structures?
* Hydrogen bonds * Hydrophobic interactions * Disulfide bonds * Salt bridges ## Footnote These bonds cause the folding and twisting of the protein.
56
What are disulfide bonds formed from?
Oxidized sulfhydryl groups of cysteine ## Footnote Disulfide bonds are strong, covalent bonds.
57
What are quaternary proteins characterized as?
Globular or fibrous ## Footnote Quaternary proteins are oligomeric and formed through the bonding of several peptide units.
58
What are globular proteins generally like?
Compact, water-soluble, and ball-shaped ## Footnote Most globular proteins serve as enzymes.
59
What is a characteristic of fibrous proteins?
Elongated, strong, and not water-soluble ## Footnote Fibrous proteins serve a structural role, such as collagen.
60
True or False: Tertiary structure involves only peptide bonds.
False ## Footnote Tertiary structure involves multiple types of bonding, not just peptide bonds.
61
What is the molecular weight characteristic of IgM?
IgM possesses the heaviest molecular weight ## Footnote IgM is the antibody responsible for activation of the complement pathway and is the first antibody produced in response to an infection.
62
What are IgA antibodies commonly known as?
Secretory antibodies ## Footnote IgA antibodies are located in mucous membranes and provide protection of the lungs and gastrointestinal tract from infection.
63
Where can IgA antibodies be detected besides mucous membranes?
In some mammalian milk ## Footnote This transfer provides passive immunity.
64
What is the primary location of IgD antibodies?
Bound to the surfaces of B-lymphocytes ## Footnote IgD antibodies are only a minor blood component.
65
What is the main function of IgG antibodies?
Responsible for long term protection ## Footnote IgG antibodies are predominant in blood and protect against viruses.
66
What unique ability does IgG have in relation to the placenta?
It can cross the placenta ## Footnote This helps protect the fetus.
67
In what form is IgG found shortly after the delivery of a baby?
In milk produced shortly after delivery ## Footnote This provides initial immune support to the newborn.
68
What is the role of IgE antibodies?
Involved in allergic reactions and inflammatory responses ## Footnote IgE antibodies play a crucial role in the body's immune response to allergens.

NBEO Part 1 (17 decks)

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