Lecture on Proteins and Nucleic Acids

Flashcards covering key concepts related to proteins and nucleic acids, including structure, function, and differences between DNA and RNA.

What are proteins made of?

Proteins are macromolecules made up of polymers of amino acids.

What are the main categories of amino acids?

Amino acids fall into three categories: Nonpolar (hydrophobic), Polar (hydrophilic), and Charged (acidic or basic).

What type of bond links amino acids in proteins?

Amino acids in proteins are covalently linked by peptide bonds.

What is the primary structure of a protein?

The primary structure of a protein is the sequence of a chain of amino acids.

What structure forms when certain attractions are present between alpha helices and pleated sheets?

Tertiary protein structure.

What is the quaternary structure of a protein?

Quaternary structure is a protein consisting of more than one amino acid chain.

What are the components of a nucleotide?

A nucleotide consists of a phosphate group, a sugar (ribose or deoxyribose), and a nitrogenous base.

What are purines and pyrimidines?

Purines include adenine and guanine; pyrimidines include cytosine, thymine, and uracil.

What is the difference between DNA and RNA in terms of structure?

DNA is double-stranded and stable, while RNA is usually single-stranded and has a reactive hydroxyl group.

What type of linkage connects nucleotides in nucleic acids?

Nucleotides are linked together into nucleic acids by a phosphodiester linkage.

What are the base pairing rules in DNA?

Adenine pairs with Thymine (2 hydrogen bonds) and Cytosine pairs with Guanine (3 hydrogen bonds).

What is a ribozyme?

A ribozyme is an RNA molecule that can catalyze biochemical reactions.

What is the role of enzymes?

Enzymes are protein catalysts that facilitate reactions by lowering the activation energy required.

How are DNA strands oriented?

DNA strands are antiparallel, meaning they run in opposite directions.

What is the significance of the 3D structure of nucleic acids?

The 3D structure of nucleic acids dictates their functions, including information storage and catalysis.

What might have allowed RNA to be the first self-replicating molecule?

Its ability to code information and catalyze reactions.

What does CHONPS stand for?

CHONPS stands for Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Sulfur, which are key elements in macromolecules.

What is the sugar-phosphate backbone of nucleic acids?

It is directional, with a 5' phosphate end and a 3' hydroxyl end.

What is the distance between bases in a DNA helix?

The distance between bases in a DNA helix is 0.34 nm.

How does RNA's structure enhance its functionality?

RNA can assume many complex 3D shapes, which enhances its ability to interact with other molecules.

What is the difference in stability between DNA and RNA?

DNA is more stable due to its double-stranded structure and lack of a reactive hydroxyl group, while RNA is less stable and more reactive.