Week 2 Flashcards
I can decode an mRNA sequence using a codon table. I can recognise and label models of the four levels of protein structure I can explain the pathway that a protein takes as it is secreted from a cell. (21 cards)
What is degenerate code?
There are more codons (64) than there are amino acids to be coded, so most amino acids are coded by more than one code.
What is a polypeptide?
A chain of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds.
What is protein synthesis?
The formation of a protein by joining amino acids to make a polypeptide.
What is the universal genetic code?
Refers to the fact that particular codons specify the same amino acids in almost all organisms.
What is a promoter?
Specific region of a gene where RNA polymerase can bind and begin transcription.
What is an alpha-helix?
Secondary structure of a protein resembling a coiled spring, secured by hydrogen bonding in the polypeptide chain.
What is a beta-pleated sheet?
Secondary structure of proteins in which the polypeptide chain folds back and forth.
What is a biochemical pathway?
A series of chemical reactions in which the product of one reaction is consumed in the next reaction, catalyzed by enzymes.
What is a catalyst?
Substance that speeds up the rate of a chemical reaction.
What are disulphide bonds?
Strong chemical side bonds formed when the sulphur atoms in two adjacent protein chains are joined together.
What is an enzyme?
A type of protein that speeds up a chemical reaction in a living thing.
What is exocytosis?
Release of substances out of a cell by the fusion of a vesicle with the outer plasma membrane.
What is the Golgi apparatus?
A system of membranes that modifies and packages proteins for export by the cell.
What is a hydrogen bond?
Weak attraction between a hydrogen atom and another atom.
What is a product in a chemical reaction?
A substance that forms in a chemical reaction.
What is a proteome?
All the proteins that are made by an organism.
What is a reactant?
A substance that takes part in and undergoes change during a chemical reaction.
What is the rough endoplasmic reticulum?
System of internal membranes with ribosomes embedded in it.
What is a substrate?
A specific reactant acted upon by an enzyme.
What is a vesicle?
Small membrane-bound sac that functions in moving products (like proteins) into, out of, and within a cell.
What is a monomer?
A molecule that can be bonded to other identical molecules to form a polymer.
