Amino Acids and Peptide Bonds

Flashcards covering amino acids, peptide bonds, protein structure, and leghemoglobin.

What did the Miller and Urey experiment demonstrate?

How amino acids were synthesized under conditions simulating early Earth.

What functions can molecules derived from amino acids perform?

Structural components, nutrient provision, atom and energy storage, and functional roles (hormones, enzymes, receptors, transport molecules).

Describe the basic structure of an amino acid.

An organic molecule with a central carbon atom bonded to a hydrogen atom, a carboxyl group (-COOH), an amino group (-NH2), and a variable side chain (R group).

What is the significance of the R group in an amino acid?

It varies among different amino acids and gives each its unique properties.

What is a residue?

A monomer formed when two or more amino acids combine and eliminate water molecules.

What types of bonds are enabled by the functional groups and R groups in amino acids?

Hydrogen, ionic, and disulfide bonds, as well as polar/nonpolar interactions.

What elements primarily form the functional groups in amino acids?

Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur.

What is a peptide bond?

A chemical bond formed by the reaction of the carboxylic acid group of one amino acid with the amine group of another, releasing a water molecule.

What is the difference between oligopeptides and polypeptides?

Oligopeptides consist of up to about 20 amino acids, while polypeptides are made from up to about 50 amino acids.

What are proteins?

Macromolecules formed when the chain of linked amino acids becomes extremely long or when multiple polypeptides serve as building blocks.

How does the length and order of amino acids affect protein function?

It determines the protein's shape, which is crucial for its proper function.

Describe the symbiotic relationship between rhizobia and leguminous plants.

Rhizobia form a symbiotic relationship with the roots of leguminous plants, leading to the creation of nodules on the plant roots.

What is the role of leghemoglobin?

A transport protein generated by plants to carry nitrogen or oxygen.

Why is the shape of a protein's active site important?

The substrate might not be able to attach as firmly or it might not attach at all if the form or chemical environment of the active site is modified even minimally.