Proteins Flashcards
What are proteins and how are they formed?
Naturally condensation polymers formed by joining together thousands of amino acid molecules.
What are amino acids functional groups?
• Amino (amine) group -NH2
• Carboxyl group -COOH
What are essential amino acids?
Amino acids which must be present in a humans diet at the cannot be synthesised by the body
How do you make proteins?
The condensation of amino acids
How do you break proteins?
Through hydrolysis
Describe the process of breaking down proteins into amino acids?
Water molecules break apart the peptide links of the protein molecule (hydrolysis) leaving amino acids
What is the amide/peptide link?
H O
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— N—C —
What are the 2 main types of protein molecules?
Fibrous & Globular
Where are fibrous proteins found?
Animal tissue, hair, nails, muscle
Properties of fibrous proteins?
They are long, spiral chains folded to for long thin shapes.
They are strong and generally insoluable in water
Properties of Globular proteins?
They are spiral chains folded into spherical shapes held by intermolecular bonding between the side chains of the amino acids involved.
Generally soluble in water.
Where are Globular proteins found?
Haemoglobin and certain hormones like insulin and enzymes
What does cooking proteins allow?
For the proteins to denature (change shape) which changes the texture of foods.
Hydrophilic meaning
Soluable/mixes with water - likes water
Hydrophobic meaning
Insoluable/ does not mix with water - dislikes water
