Bio Protein Vocab

Amino acids

building block of proteins consisting of the basic amino group (NH2), the acidic carboxylic group (COOH), a hydrogen atom (-H), and an organic side group (R) attached to the carbon atom.

Amino group

NH2

Carboxylic group

COOH

Collagen

a glycoprotein that forms strong fibres, found in connective tissue and bone (the most abundant protein in the animal kingdom).

Condensation

formation of larger molecules from smaller component molecules involving the removal of water.

Denaturation

a structural change in a protein that results in a permanent loss of biological properties.

Dipeptide

two amino acids linked together.

Gene

a heritable section of DNA that controls a specific trait.

Insulin

a hormone that lowers blood glucose levels by synthesizing glycogen.

Peptide bond

a covalent bond that joins amino acids, at the carboxyl group of one amino acid to the amino group of the other amino acid, with the release of a molecule of water.

Polypeptides

a polymer of amino acids joined together by peptide bonds.

Protein

organic molecule composed of polymers of amino acids joined together by peptide bonds and taking a particular three-dimensional shape.

Ribosome

cell organelle functioning as the site of protein synthesis.