Chapter 5: Proteins

A set of flashcards summarizing key concepts from Chapter 5 on proteins, including definitions of relevant terms and their functions.

Proteins

A naturally occurring, unbranched polymer made up of amino acids.

Amino acids

Organic compounds containing both an amino (—NH2) group and a carboxyl (—COOH) group.

Enzymes

Proteins that act as catalysts to speed up chemical reactions in the body.

Chirality

A property of amino acids where 19 of the 20 standard amino acids possess a chiral center except for glycine.

Essential Amino Acids

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

Non-Polar Amino Acids

Amino acids with hydrophobic side chains, generally found in the interior of proteins.

Alpha Helix

A common type of secondary structure in proteins, resembling a coiled spring maintained by hydrogen bonds.

Beta Pleated Sheet

A type of secondary structure where segments of protein chains are held together by hydrogen bonds.

Tertiary Structure

The overall three-dimensional shape of a protein resulting from interactions between amino acid side chains.

Quaternary Structure

The organization of multiple peptide chains in a multimeric protein.

Peptide Bond

A bond formed between amino acids through a dehydration-condensation reaction.

Myoglobin

A monomeric protein that stores oxygen in muscles.

Hemoglobin

A tetrameric protein that transports oxygen from the lungs to tissues.

Immunoglobulins

Glycoproteins that function as antibodies in the immune response to foreign substances.