Biochemistry - Proteins and Their Structures

Flashcards covering key concepts, definitions, and structures related to proteins and amino acids in biochemistry.

Amino Acids

The basic building blocks of peptides and proteins connected by peptide bonds.

Peptide Bonds

Covalent bonds that link amino acids together to form peptides and proteins.

Protein Functions

Proteins serve diverse roles including catalysis, structure, movement, and defense.

Protein Structure

The specific arrangement of amino acids in a protein that determines its function.

Primary Structure

The specific linear sequence of amino acids in a protein.

Secondary Structure

The folding or coiling of the polypeptide chain into structures like alpha-helices and beta-pleated sheets.

Tertiary Structure

The overall 3D shape of a polypeptide, determined by interactions among side chains.

Quaternary Structure

A structure formed when two or more polypeptide chains combine, functioning as a multiunit protein.

Protein Moonlighting

The ability of a single protein to perform multiple functions.

Homologous Proteins

Proteins with similar sequences and functions derived from a common ancestor.