SQA Proteins flashcards

What roles do proteins play in the body?

Proteins are major structural materials of animal tissue and are involved in the maintenance and regulation of life processes.

What are enzymes and what are they made of?

Enzymes are proteins that act as biological catalysts.

What are amino acids?

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. They are relatively small molecules containing an amino group (—NH₂) and a carboxyl group (—COOH).

How are proteins formed from amino acids?

Proteins are formed by linking many amino acid molecules through condensation reactions.

What happens during a condensation reaction between amino acids?

The amino group of one amino acid and the carboxyl group of another join together, eliminating a molecule of water.

What is the name of the bond formed between two amino acids?

The bond is called a peptide link (—CONH—), also known as an amide link.

What determines the function of a protein in the body?

The function is determined by the differing sequences of amino acids that make up the protein.

What are essential amino acids?

Essential amino acids are amino acids that the body cannot synthesize and must be obtained from the diet.

What happens to proteins during digestion?

Enzymes break down proteins through hydrolysis, producing amino acids.

What holds protein chains in their shapes?

Intermolecular bonding between the side chains of the amino acids holds the protein chains in their shapes.

What causes proteins to denature?

Heating breaks the intermolecular bonds, allowing the protein to change shape (denature).

What is the effect of denaturing proteins in food?

Denaturing proteins causes the texture of food to change during cooking.