Genes and Health

What is the general structure of an amino acid?

R-CH(NH2)-COOH

What is a dipeptide?

A peptide with 2 amino acids

What is a polypeptide?

A polypeptide with many amino acids

What role does water play in the production and breakdown of dipeptides?

Water is produced during the condensation reaction. Water is broken down during the hydrolysis reaction

Define protein

A molecule made up of amino acids

What is the R group?

The side group that changes depending on the amino acid

What is a peptide bond?

A covalent bond that links amino acids together to form a protein

What is the primary structure

The amino acid sequence

What is the secondary structure

The form a protein assumes after having folded up

What is the tertiary structure

The three dimensional structure of the entire polypeptide chain

What is the quaternary structure

The arrangement of multiple polypeptide chains that produce a complete protein

What is a conjugated protein

A protein with another chemical group attached

What is a globular protein

A protein that is water soluble and shaped like a sphere after folding

What is a fibrous protein

Long strands of polypeptide chains that have cross linkages due to hydrogen bonds

How is a peptide bond formed?

Condensation reaction.

OH removed from Hydroxyl group. H removed from amine group.

How have mammals adapted for a large surface area to maximise gas exchange?

Many alveoli and capillaries surrounding alveoli

How have mammals adapted for a thin diffusion difference to maximise gas exchange?

Alveoli and capillaries are made of flat squamous tissue

How have mammals adapted to have a concentration gradient to maximise gas exchange?

Breathing and circulation of blood maintains a high gradient between the alveolar air space and bloodstream

What are the anatomical adaptations in a mammal to maximise gas exchange?

Large surface area, high concentration gradient, thin exchange surface

What is the formula for flicks law?

Rate of diffusion= surface area x concentration difference/ diffusion distance

How would an increased thickness of gas exchange surface due to thicker mucus affect the rate of diffusion?

Molecules have to travel further so rate of diffusion decreases

How would the rate of diffusion be affected by a reduction in the concentration gradient between the alveolar air space and capillaries?

Fewer particles so less chance of them moving to a lower concentration so rate of diffusion would decrease

How would rate of diffusion be affected by damage to alveoli resulting in a reduction of their numbers?

A reduced surface area as less space for them to diffuse across so rate of diffusion decreases.

What do goblet cells do in the respiratory system?

Secrete mucin and create a protective mucus layer

What do cilliated epithelial cells do in the respiratory system?

Propel mucus up the airway to remove particulate material

Define epithelial

Cells that line the internal and external surfaces of the body

Define goblet cells

An epithelial cell that produces mucus

Define mucus

A substance that is produced by goblet cells and acts as a protective barrier