Nucleic Acids and Proteins

Polypeptide

Polypeptide

A long chain of amino acids.

Enzyme

An organic molecule/protein that catalyzes specific reactions.

Peptide Hormone

A signaling protein responsible for regulating physiology or behavior.

Antibody

A protein produced by plasma cells during the adaptive immune response that combats pathogens in various ways.

Haemoglobin

A protein responsible for carrying oxygen in red blood cells, with a quaternary structure.

Amino acids

The repeating units or monomers that make up a polypeptide chain or protein.

Carboxyl Group

A functional group consisting of a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom and single-bonded to a hydroxyl group.

R-group

The side chain of an amino acid that determines its type and chemical properties.

Hydrophobic

Refers to a molecule or part of a molecule that repels or does not mix well with water.

Hydrophilic

Refers to a molecule or part of a molecule that has an affinity for water.

Polypeptide bonds

The bonds that join adjacent amino acids in a polypeptide chain through a condensation reaction.

Primary structure

The sequence or order of amino acids in a polypeptide chain.

Secondary structure

The formation of alpha-helices, beta-pleated sheets, or random coils in the amino acid chains.

Tertiary structure

The functional 3D shape of a polypeptide chain.

Quaternary structure

The structure formed when two or more polypeptide chains or non-protein molecules/groups combine to form a functional protein.

Random Coil

An irregular protein structure that is neither an alpha-helix nor a beta-pleated sheet.

Disulfide Bond

A strong covalent bond between two sulfur atoms.