Biochemistry - Peptide Bonds and Protein Purification

A series of vocabulary flashcards focused on key concepts from biochemistry related to peptide bonds and protein purification techniques.

Peptide Bond

A bond formed by the condensation of two amino acids, releasing a water molecule.

Dehydration Reaction

A reaction that involves the removal of water to form a compound, such as the formation of a peptide bond.

Planarity of Peptide Bonds

The characteristic of peptide bonds to exhibit partial double bond character, maintaining a flat structure.

cis vs trans Amides

Refers to the orientation of side chains in amides, with trans being energetically favored due to reduced steric hindrance.

Ribosomal Protein Synthesis

The process by which ribosomes synthesize proteins by linking amino acids according to sequences encoded by mRNA.

Chirality in Amino Acids

The property of amino acids that makes them capable of forming two mirror-image forms, with L-amino acids being predominantly used in proteins.

Isoelectric Point (pI)

The pH at which a molecule carries no net charge, influencing the behavior of proteins in solution.

Ion Exchange Chromatography

A method of separating proteins based on their net charge by passing them through a charged stationary phase.

Size Exclusion Chromatography

A technique that separates proteins based on size and shape, allowing larger proteins to elute faster than smaller ones.

Affinity Chromatography

A method of purification that separates proteins based on their specific binding affinity to a ligand immobilized on a solid matrix.

Specific Activity

A measure of enzyme activity per amount of total protein, indicating the purity of the desired protein during purification.

SDS (Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate)

A detergent used in SDS-PAGE that denatures proteins and imparts a uniform negative charge, allowing separation based on size.

DTT (Dithiothreitol)

A reducing agent used in SDS-PAGE to break disulfide bonds in proteins, ensuring complete denaturation.

Western Blotting

A method used to detect specific proteins in a sample by transferring them to a membrane and probing with antibodies.

Coomassie Brilliant Blue

A dye used to stain proteins in gels, allowing visualization of protein bands after electrophoresis.

Electrophoresis

A technique for separating molecules based on their charge and size through a gel under an electric field.