Protein Structure and Epigenetics

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and definitions related to protein structure and epigenetics.

Tertiary Structure

The 3D shape of a fully folded protein, stabilized by R group interactions.

Electrostatic Interactions

Interactions that include hydrogen bonds and ionic bonds between R groups.

Disulfide Bridges

Covalent bonds formed between cysteine residues due to sulfhydryl (SH) groups.

Hydrophobic Interactions

Interactions where hydrophobic R groups fold inward to avoid water contact.

Quaternary Structure

The interaction of two or more proteins to form a multi-protein complex.

Protein Domains

Subunits within a protein that carry out specific functions.

DNA Binding Domain (DBD)

A domain required for proteins that directly bind to DNA.

Transcriptional Activation Domain (TAD)

A domain necessary for activating transcription and interacting with RNA polymerase.

Chaperone Proteins

Proteins that assist in the proper folding or refolding of other proteins.

Misfolded Proteins and Disease

Misfolded proteins cannot function properly and are linked to diseases like Alzheimer's and Cystic Fibrosis.

Epigenetics

Modifications that alter gene expression without changing the DNA sequence.

Nucleosome

A structural unit of eukaryotic chromosome, consisting of DNA wrapped around histone proteins.

Euchromatin

A less condensed form of chromatin that is accessible for gene transcription.

Heterochromatin

A highly condensed form of chromatin that inhibits gene transcription.

Histone Acetylation

The addition of acetyl groups to histone tails, affecting gene expression.

DNA Methylation

The addition of methyl groups to cytosines, inhibiting gene transcription.

CpG Islands

Regions of DNA with cytosines followed by guanines, often methylated in promoter regions.