Amino acids, Peptides, and Proteins (Exam 1)

What are the building blocks of proteins?

Amino Acids - there are 20 different kinds;

Describe the structure of protein.

- Central carbon

- Amine group

- Carboxylate group

- R-side chain

What are the major functions of proteins?

- Catalyze reactions by lowering activation energy

- Transport

- Structure

- Generate motion

- Act as buffers

What are attributes of amino acids which allow them to perform a variety of biological function?

- Capacity to polymerize

- Useful acid-base properties

- Varied physical properties

- Varied chemical properties

What is a heteropolymer?

Polymers of many different unit types (different amino acids)

What is an alpha-amino acid?

The central, chiral carbon of an amino acid

Why is it helpful to be able to identify and alpha carbon?

In larger molecule the alpha carbon will show where the R-side chain is versus groups within the side chain