Lecture 4 Flashcards
(42 cards)
What are the main types of proteins?
- Receptors and channels
- Structural
- Storage
- Enzymes
- Transport
- Protection
- Hormonal
- Contractile
- Catalyst
What are the levels of protein structure?
- Primary
- Secondary
- Tertiary
- Quaternary
What is the composition of amino acids?
Amino acids consist of an amine group, a carboxylic acid group, a variable R group, and a central (α) carbon.
Define fibrous proteins.
Fibrous proteins are insoluble and used structurally to give strength or make a protective layer.
Define globular proteins.
Globular proteins are soluble and usually offer dynamic functions, with their exact 3D shape critical for their function.
What is the zwitterionic form of amino acids?
In physiological solution (~pH 7.35), amino acids exhibit a zwitterionic form with both positive and negative charges.
What is the CORN rule in amino acids?
The CORN rule helps determine the chirality of amino acids by reading clockwise or anticlockwise from the α-carbon.
What are the simplest non-polar amino acids?
- Alanine (A)
- Glycine (G)
- Methionine (M)
- Cysteine (C)
- Phenylalanine (F)
- Tryptophan (W)
What are the characteristics of acidic polar R-groups?
Acidic polar R-groups include aspartic acid (D) and glutamic acid (E), which contain a carboxylate group that provides a negative charge.
What are the basic polar R-groups?
- Lysine (K)
- Arginine (R)
- Histidine (H)
Fill in the blank: The bond formed between amino acids is called a _______.
[peptide bond]
What is the significance of the peptide bond?
The peptide bond is rigid and planar, restricting the conformations of polypeptides.
What are neurotransmitters derived from amino acids?
- Glutamate (Glu, E)
- Aspartate (Asp, D)
- Glycine (Gly, G)
- Tryptophan (Trp, W)
- Tyrosine (Tyr, Y)
True or False: All amino acids can be synthesized in the human body.
False
What is selenomethionine?
Selenomethionine (SeMet) is a naturally occurring amino acid that can be incorporated into proteins in place of methionine.
What is the role of glutathione?
Glutathione is an important antioxidant made from cysteine, glycine, and glutamate.
What happens during a condensation reaction between amino acids?
A condensation reaction joins the carboxyl group of one amino acid to the amino group of another, forming a peptide bond.
Estimate the molecular mass of a protein with 400 amino acid residues.
Approximately 44,000 Da (44 kDa)
What is the unique feature of the peptide bond?
The peptide bond has partial double bond character, making it rigid and planar.
What are the unusual amino acids mentioned?
- Selenomethionine (SeMet)
- Selenocysteine
- Pyrrolysine (Ply or O)
How do non-polar amino acids behave in an aqueous environment?
Non-polar amino acids tend to cluster together to avoid water due to their inability to form hydrogen bonds.
What are the functions of amino acids outside of protein synthesis?
Some amino acids act as neurotransmitters or precursors for hormones and antioxidants.
What amino acid is often used as a preservative in bread products?
L-Cysteine
Fill in the blank: The sequence of amino acids in polypeptides is described from _______ to _______.
[N-terminal, C-terminal]