Protein Structure and Amino Acids

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary related to protein structure, amino acids, and important concepts discussed in the lecture.

R-group

A side chain of an amino acid that can determine its properties and interactions.

Hydrophobic

Character of molecules that do not interact well with water; typically non-polar.

Hydrophilic

Character of molecules that readily interact with water; typically polar.

Peptide bond

A covalent bond formed between two amino acids during protein synthesis.

Primary structure

The linear sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain.

Secondary structure

The local folding of a polypeptide chain into structures like alpha helices and beta sheets.

Tertiary structure

The overall three-dimensional shape of a polypeptide, determined by interactions among side chains.

Quaternary structure

The complex formed by multiple polypeptide chains or subunits in a protein.

Alpha helix

A right-handed coil or spiral formed by hydrogen bonds between amino acids in a polypeptide.

Beta sheet

A secondary structure formed by hydrogen bonding between polypeptide chains, leading to a pleated or sheet-like arrangement.

c-Jun

A transcription factor that is part of the leucine zipper domain, involved in regulation of the cell cycle.

Leucine zipper

A type of structural motif in proteins that facilitates dimerization and binding of DNA.

Polar amino acids

Amino acids with side chains that can form hydrogen bonds and often interact with water.

Hydrogen bond

A weak bond between hydrogen and electronegative atoms, significant in stabilizing protein structures.

Aequorea Victoria

A species of jellyfish known for producing green fluorescent protein (GFP).

Green fluorescent protein (GFP)

A protein that exhibits fluorescence, widely used as a marker in biological research.

Proton donor

A molecule or ion that can donate a hydrogen ion (H+) in a chemical reaction.

Proton acceptor

A molecule or ion that can accept a hydrogen ion (H+) during a chemical reaction.

Flexible peptide chains

Peptide chains that can rotate about their bonds, affecting the protein's overall shape and structure.

Anti-parallel beta sheets

A type of beta sheet where adjacent strands run in opposite directions, stabilized by hydrogen bonds.

Amino-terminus (N-terminus)

The end of a polypeptide chain that has a free amino group.

Carboxyl-terminus (C-terminus)

The end of a polypeptide chain that has a free carboxyl group.