Biomolecules - proteins
What is an amino acid?
An amino acid is an organic molecule that contains both an amino group and a hydroxyl group
What is the chemical structure of an amino acid?
An amino group
A hydroxyl group
A hydrogen atom
and an R group
What are proteins and what are they made of?
Proteins are large molecules made of chains of amino acids linked by peptide bonds. The chains are called polypeptides
What is the role of amino acids in the structure of polypeptides and proteins?
Amino acids are linked by peptide bonds, and form polypeptides.
How does a peptide bond form?
It forms when a carboxyl group of one amino reacts with the amino group of another amino acid, released a molecule of water which creates a covalent bond.
What is protein folding and how does it affect activity
Protein folding refers to the process where a polypeptide chain folds into a specfic 3D shape. Changed in folding can alter or destroy a proteins ability to bind to other molecules, affecting its functuon
What is the difference between a polypeptide and a protein?
A polypeptide is a chain of amino acids whereas a protein is one or more polypeptided tbag have folded into a functional 3D shape
What is the primary structure
Unique sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide.
What is the secondary structure?
Refers to short regions of folding (a-helix & b-sheet) created by hydrogen bonding
What is tertiary structure?
Is the overall 3D shape of a fully folded polypeptide. its stabilised by interactions such as hydrophobic reactions, hydrogen bonds, ionic bonds and disulfife bridges
What is quarternery structure?
Forma when two or more folded polypeptides join together and make one functional protein.
What is the difference between fibrous and globular proteins?
Fibrous proteins are long, structural proteins, whereas globular proteins are compact, folded, and usually functional in metabolism
What is rubisco and what is its role?
Its an enzyme that fixes carbon dioxide during protein synthesis and is the most abundant protein on earth
What is insulin and what does it do?
Its a hormone that signals cells to absorb glucose, lowering blood glucose levels.
What is collagen what what is its significance?
Collagen is a strong fibrous protein made of theee polypeptide chains twisted together. It provides structural strength to skin tendons ligaments bones and blood vessel walla