Protein Structure and Function Exam Review

These flashcards cover key concepts related to protein structure, hemoglobin function, and genetic mutations, emphasizing definitions and key processes.

Hydrophilic Polar Amino Acids

Amino acids with one end slightly more negative that can form hydrogen bonds with each other and water.

Hydrophobic Amino Acids

Amino acids that are typically found in the interior of proteins and do not interact well with water.

Primary Protein Structure

The amino acid sequence that makes up a protein.

Tertiary Protein Structure

The 3D structure of a protein formed by chemical bonds between parts of the chain that may be far apart.

High Affinity in Hemoglobin (Hb)

When oxygen is effectively bound in the lungs, indicating strong bonding.

Low Affinity in Hemoglobin (Hb)

When oxygen is released quickly in the body, indicating weak bonding.

O2-Hb Dissociation Curve

A graph showing the relationship between the partial pressure of oxygen and hemoglobin oxygen saturation.

Left Shift of Dissociation Curve

Indicates higher affinity for oxygen, allowing more oxygen to be bound.

Right Shift of Dissociation Curve

Indicates lower affinity for oxygen, allowing faster release of oxygen.

Unidirectional Airflow in Birds

A respiratory mechanism in birds that allows them to keep oxygen-rich air in the lungs during both inhalation and exhalation.

Transcription Factors

Proteins that regulate the attachment of RNA polymerase to the promoter region of a gene.

Point Mutations

A mutation involving a change in a single base pair in DNA.

Frame-Shift Mutations

Mutations caused by insertions or deletions of bases in the DNA sequence.

Regulatory Genes

Specialized segments of DNA that control the expression of other genes.

Gene Families

Groups of genes that share high sequence similarity due to common ancestry and often encode proteins with related functions.

Central Dogma of Molecular Biology

The process of information flow from DNA to RNA to protein.

Gene Duplication

The process by which new genes are formed, often increasing genetic variation and complexity.

Hemoglobin Function

Transporting oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and returning carbon dioxide to the lungs.

Amino Acid Classes

The classification of amino acids based on their chemical properties, influencing their interactions and behaviors in proteins.