Module 2.2: Organic molecular structure of carbohydrates, amino acids and proteins Flashcards
(44 cards)
what are the features of inorganic compounds?
- structurally simple
- usually lack carbon
- may have ionic or covalent bonds
- cant carry out complicated biological functions
- Examples: Water, Ammonia, Acids, Bases
what are the features of organic compounds?
- usually large and complex
- contain carbon bound to hydrogen
- covalent bonds
- carry out complex functions
- Examples: Proteins, Hormones, Carbohydrates, Lipids
what is the molecular formula for glucose?
C6H12O6
what is the function of an organic compound dependent on?
The function of an organic compound is dependent on the functional groups attached to it
what are the functional classes? draw them
aldehyde, ketone, alcohol, amino, carboxylic acid
describe aldehydes. example?
- Intermediates in metabolic pathways
- Contain carbonyl group (C=O) at end of carbon
chain, which makes them reactive - C=O located on last carbon of hydrocarbon chain
- Makes part of the molecule polar and hydrophilic
- Example: Formaldehyde (CH2O)
describe ketones. example?
- Intermediates in metabolic pathways
- Contain a carbonyl group within the hydrocarbon chain (not at the end)
- Less reactive than aldehydes because carbonyl group is flanked by two carbon atoms keeping it stable
- Makes part of molecule polar and hydrophilic
- Result from protein metabolism causing ketosis
- Example: Acetone (CH3COCH3)
describe alcohols. example?
- Involved in fermentation and metabolism
- Most alcohols are antibacterial
- Contain a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to any carbon atom in molecule
- Makes molecule more polar and hydrophilic (dissolves easily in water)
- Can form hydrogen bonds due to –OH group
- Example: Ethanol (C2H6O) and Glucose
describe carboxylic acids. example?
- Found in fatty acids (lipids) and amino acids (proteins)
- Contain a carboxyl group (–COOH), combining carbonyl and hydroxyl groups
- Weak acids and highly reactivity, polar and
hydrophilic - All amino acids have a carboxyl group at one end
- Example: Acetic Acid (CH3COOH)
describe aminos. example?
- Found in amino acids (proteins), vitamins, and
neurotransmitters - Contain a nitrogen atom (-NH2)
- Nitrogen has a lone pair of electrons ready to accept hydrogen ions
- Can bind to hydrogen ions and act as a base
- Make molecule polar and hydrophilic
- Reactive and basic
- All amino acids have an amino group at one end
- other compounds with amino groups have names ending in “amide”
- Example: Methylamine (CH3NH2)
what is the building block for proteins
amino acids
why are proteins needed?
- Build muscle
- Make hormones
- Involved in cell communication (i.e. cell surface receptors, cytokines, and chemokines)
how many different amino acids do human proteins have?
Human proteins contain 21 different amino acids
how are amino acids obtained?
Nine essential amino acids must be obtained from diet because the human body cannot synthesize them
describe the features of a peptide
Size: Shorter (< 50 a.a.)
Structure: Simple, likely linear
Function: Signaling, basic biological roles
Complexity: Few levels of structure
Example: Oxytocin
describe the features of a protein
Size: Longer (> 50 a.a.)
structure: Complex, with specific 3D folding
function: Involved in structure, enzymes, transport; carrying out more complex functions
complexity: May have up to quaternary structure
example: hemoglobin
through which process are amino acids joined? how? what is the reversable reaction?
- Condensation Reaction (dehydration)
- Carboxy terminal group of one amino acid will
combine with the amide group of a second amino acid to produce a water molecule and a dipeptide - Reaction is reversible referred to a hydrolysis reaction
what is oxytocin?
Simple peptide made up of 9 amino acids
* Has unique disulphide bond within polypeptide chain affecting its structure
where is oxytocin produced?
Produced in hypothalamus and secreted by the
posterior pituitary gland
what does oxytocin do?
Promotes uterine contractions, maternal
bonding, and ejection of breast milk
what are the different protein types?
structural, regulatory, contractile, transport, catalyst, immunological
what is the function of structural proteins? example?
- Provide structural support to all parts of body
- Collagen: bone, other connective tissues
- Keratin: skin, hair, fingernails
what is the function of regulatory proteins? example?
Function as hormones to regulate physiological
processes; control growth and development;
neurotransmitters; mediate responses from nervous system
- Insulin: regulates blood sugar levels (made by pancreas)
- Substance P: mediates pain
sensation in nervous system
what is the function of contractile proteins? example?
Enable movement by contracting and relaxing
muscle fibers
Actin and Myosin: involved in muscle contraction
