Understanding Nutrition: Protein and Amino Acids

These flashcards cover key concepts related to proteins and amino acids as discussed in the lecture, including definitions and essential processes in protein chemistry and nutrition.

Amino Acids

Building blocks of proteins composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, an amino group, an acid group, and a side chain.

Peptide Bonds

Chemical bonds that link amino acids together to form proteins.

Denaturation

The process by which a protein loses its shape and function due to heat, acids, or other agents.

Essential Amino Acids

Amino acids that cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained from the diet.

Nonessential Amino Acids

Amino acids that can be made by the body and are not required to be consumed through diet.

Protein Synthesis

The process through which cells make proteins based on the sequence of nucleotides in DNA.

Hydrochloric Acid

An acid present in the stomach that helps digest proteins by denaturing them and activating pepsinogen to pepsin.

Complementary Proteins

Two or more protein sources that, when combined, provide all essential amino acids in sufficient quantities.

High-Quality Proteins

Proteins that contain all essential amino acids in the proportions needed by the body.

Protein Turnover

The continuous process of protein synthesis and degradation in the body.

Nitrogen Balance

The state of nitrogen in the body, indicating whether nitrogen intake equals output; important for assessing protein needs.

Protein Digestion

The process of breaking down proteins into amino acids through enzymatic actions primarily in the stomach and small intestine.

Ribosome

The cellular structure where protein synthesis occurs, translating mRNA into protein.

Gene Expression

The process by which information from a gene is used to synthesize functional gene products like proteins.

Epinephrine

A hormone made from the amino acid tyrosine that is involved in the fight-or-flight response.

Urea

The primary nitrogenous waste product formed from the breakdown of amino acids for excretion in urine.

Protein Energy Malnutrition

A condition resulting from inadequate protein intake, leading to various health issues.

Protein Quality

The measure of a protein's digestibility and amino acid composition, determining its nutritional value.

Antibodies

Proteins that play a key role in the immune system by defending against disease.

Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic

Terms used to describe the solubility of parts of a protein that influence its folding and function.

Tertiary Structure

The overall 3D shape formed by interactions between side chains of amino acids in a protein.