Protein Structure and Function Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on the lecture material covering the functions of proteins, cellular receptors, enzymes, genetics, and amino acid structures.

Insulin

A protein hormone produced in the pancreas that reduces blood sugar levels.

Receptors

Proteins located in the cell membrane that receive chemical signals like hormones.

Antibodies

Proteins produced by the immune system that attach to and destroy pathogens.

Pathogen

An agent that causes infection, most commonly encountered as a virus or a bacteria.

Cholera

A bacterial pathogen that festers in dirty, contaminated water and causes extreme diarrhea.

Transport proteins

Membrane proteins, including channel and carrier proteins, that move molecules in and out of the cell.

Hemoglobin

A protein inside red blood cells containing four polypeptides (two alpha and two beta) that carries oxygen ($O_2$).

Heme

An iron-containing pigment in hemoglobin that gives it its red color and is not a polypeptide.

Enzymes

Proteins responsible for performing all chemical reactions, building, breaking, and modifying work inside cells.

One gene - one polypeptide

The biological principle stating that each single gene contains the code to synthesize one polypeptide.

Glycine

The first amino acid located at the $NH_2$ start end of the A polypeptide chain of insulin.

R group

The distinct side chain structure that varies among the 20 different amino acids.

Hydrophobic side chains

Nonpolar amino acid side chains composed of lots of carbon and hydrogen, and lacking oxygen or nitrogen.

Peptide bond

A covalent bond formed between a carbon atom and a nitrogen atom linking two amino acids together when a water molecule is removed.