Introduction to Cell Biology & Biochemistry

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts from Cell Biology and Biochemistry, focusing on protein structure, function, and analytical techniques.

Myoglobin

A protein with one polypeptide chain, having a high affinity for oxygen, making it a good storage protein.

Haemoglobin

A protein with four peptide chains (quaternary structure) that transports oxygen and exhibits cooperativity.

Protein Denaturation

The alteration of a protein's secondary, tertiary, or quaternary structure, leading to loss of biological activity, while the primary structure remains unaffected.

Native State

The most stable, soluble form of a protein that performs its biological activity, with polar groups on the outside and hydrophobic groups on the inside.

Resolution

The shortest distance between two points on a specimen that can still be distinguished, with lower values indicating better resolution.

Electron Microscopy (EM)

A microscopy technique ideal for large assemblies that provides visual data but has lower resolution for individual proteins.

X-ray Crystallography

A technique used to determine the atomic structure of proteins by analyzing diffraction patterns from crystals.

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)

A technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to determine the structure of small to medium proteins in solution.

Cooperativity

A phenomenon where the binding of a ligand to one site on a protein increases the affinity of additional sites for that ligand.

Denatured State

The form a protein takes when its structure is altered, losing biological activity, usually due to external factors like pH or temperature.