BIOL 157: Biological Chemistry Lecture 7 - Proteins

Flashcards covering key concepts and terminology related to proteins, as discussed in the lecture.

Amino Acids

Building blocks of proteins, which exist in 20 common forms and are classified by polarity.

Peptide Bond

A bond formed between two amino acids through a dehydration reaction, resulting in the release of water.

Protein Structure

Refers to the three-dimensional formation of proteins, which includes primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures.

Essential Amino Acids

Amino acids that cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained through diet.

Nonessential Amino Acids

Amino acids that can be synthesized by the body and are not required to be obtained from the diet.

Enzymes

Proteins that act as biological catalysts, speeding up chemical reactions in living organisms.

Globular Proteins

Proteins that are water-soluble and typically spherical in shape, such as enzymes and antibodies.

Fibrous Proteins

Proteins that have elongated structures and are insoluble in water, providing structural support, such as collagen.

Hydrophobic Interaction

An interaction that drives nonpolar side chains away from water and into the protein's core, contributing to protein folding.

Scaffold Proteins

Adapter proteins that facilitate interactions between other proteins through specific binding sites.

Glycoproteins

Proteins that have carbohydrate groups attached, often playing key roles in cell recognition and signaling.

Lipoproteins

Proteins that are bound to lipids, essential for transporting fats in the bloodstream.

Ion Exchange Chromatography

A separation technique that utilizes charged resins to separate proteins based on their electrical charge.

Hydrolysis

The process of breaking down proteins or peptides into amino acids, often using acids or enzymes.

Disulfide Bridge

A covalent bond between two cysteine residues that stabilizes protein structure.

Spectroscopic Properties

Properties used to study amino acids based on their absorption of UV or infrared light.

Proteins in Defense

Proteins that play roles in the immune response, including antibodies and blood clotting factors.

Prosthetic Group

A non-polypeptide unit that is tightly or covalently attached to a protein and is crucial for its function.

Isoelectric Point (pI)

The pH at which a protein has no net charge and is most soluble in a solution.