Proteins and Amino Acids Structure

Flashcards covering the elemental composition, molecular structure, and bonding of amino acids and proteins based on the lecture material.

What are the basic building blocks of proteins?

Amino acids

How many different amino acids are involved in the formation of proteins?

$$20$$

What is the elemental composition of proteins?

$C, H, O, N$ and $S$

Which amino acid is the exception to having an asymmetric carbon atom at its center?

Glycine

What four groups compose each amino acid molecule?

An amino group, a carboxyl group, a hydrogen atom, and a variable group symbolized by $R$

What is the variable $R$ group in an amino acid also known as?

The side chain

In the specific case of glycine, what is the $R$ group replaced by?

An $H$ atom

What are the chemical natures of the amino and carboxyl groups?

The amino group has an alkaline nature and the carboxyl group has an acidic nature

Why are amino acids classified as amphoteric molecules?

They possess both alkaline and acidic characteristics in one molecule

By what reaction do two amino acids form a peptide bond?

Condensation reaction

What molecule is removed during the condensation reaction of two amino acids?

A water molecule ($H_2O$)

What is a protein composed of?

One or more polypeptide chains which are composed of amino acids