Chapter 5 - Proteins and Nucleic Acids

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to proteins and nucleic acids.

Proteins

The most abundant macromolecules in life, composed of 20 amino acids, information, replication, evolution consists of one or more polypeptides

Amino acids

The building blocks of proteins with unique side chains.

Peptide bond

The bond that links amino acids together to form polypeptides.

Enzymatic proteins

Proteins that selectivity accelerate chemical reactions, such as digestive enzymes.

Defensive proteins

Proteins that protect against disease, such as antibodies.

Transport proteins

Proteins that transport substances, such as hemoglobin, which transports oxygen.

Hormonal proteins

Proteins that coordinate an organism's activities, like insulin, which regulates blood sugar.

Structural proteins

Proteins that provide support, such as collagen and keratin.

Primary structure

The unique sequence of amino acids in a protein.

Secondary structure

The folding or coiling of the polypeptide chain, such as in alpha-helices and beta-pleated sheets.

Tertiary structure

The overall 3D shape of a protein determined by interactions of R-groups.

Quaternary structure

The structure formed by the bonding of two or more polypeptide subunits.

Denaturation

The loss of a protein's native structure due to changes in its environment.

Nucleic acid

A polymer of nucleotide monomers that stores genetic information.

Components of a nucleotide

A phosphate group, a pentose sugar (deoxyribose in DNA, ribose in RNA), and a nitrogenous base.

Deoxyribonucleotide

The monomer of DNA, containing deoxyribose.

Ribonucleotide

The monomer of RNA, containing ribose.

Purines

Nitrogenous bases that contain two rings, such as adenine and guanine.

Pyrimidines

Nitrogenous bases that contain one ring, such as cytosine, uracil, and thymine.

Structure of DNA

A double helix, composed of two polynucleotide strands that run antiparallel to each other and are connected by hydrogen bonds between complementary base pairs.

Complementary base pairing

In DNA: adenine (A) always pairs with thymine (T), and guanine (G) always pairs with cytosine (C). In RNA: adenine (A) pairs with uracil (U).

Polypeptides

Unbranched polymers built from these amino acids

Uracil (U)

Found only in RNA

Transcription to translation

Synthesis of mRNA, mRNA goes to cytoplasm, synthesis of protein