Introduction to Cell Biology & Biochemistry

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from the lecture notes on biochemistry and molecular biology.

Proteins

Functional products of protein-coding genes that are polymers of amino acids.

Monomer

A molecule that can join together with other molecules to form a polymer; in proteins, the monomer is amino acids.

Amino Acids

Building blocks of proteins, there are 20 that the human genetic code directly encodes.

Peptide Bond

The chemical bond formed between two amino acids during protein synthesis.

Primary Structure

The linear sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain.

Alpha Helix

A coiled structure formed by amino acids in proteins stabilized by hydrogen bonds.

Beta Sheet

A sheet-like structure formed by hydrogen bonding between different segments of a protein.

Tertiary Structure

The overall three-dimensional structure of a protein, formed from the folding of secondary structures.

Quaternary Structure

The arrangement of multiple polypeptide subunits into a functional protein.

Hydrophilic

Molecules that interact and bond with water.

Hydrophobic

Molecules that repel water and tend to avoid contact with it.

Non-covalent Bonds

Interactions that help proteins fold, including hydrogen bonds, van der Waals forces, and electrostatic interactions.

Domains

Functional 3D-structural and evolutionary units of proteins that can exist independently.

Fibrin

A protein involved in blood clotting, an example of fibrous proteins.

Collagen

A structural protein found in connective tissues, known for its triple helix structure.

Globular Proteins

Proteins that are soluble and fold into a compact, spherical shape, such as hemoglobin.

Essential Amino Acids

Amino acids that must be obtained from the diet.

Non-essential Amino Acids

Amino acids that can be synthesized by the body.