Proteins and Amino Acids Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering the key terms, structure, roles, and properties of proteins and amino acids.

Protein

A macromolecule made up of amino acid units linked together.

Dipeptide

A molecule formed from $2$ amino acids linked together by a peptide bond.

Polypeptide

A chain consisting of many amino acids joined together.

Peptide bond

The chemical covalent bond formed between the carbonyl carbon of one amino acid and the amine nitrogen of another ($-C(=O)-NH-$).

Essential amino acids

The $9$ amino acids that the human body cannot build on its own and must be acquired through food.

Complete protein

A food source of protein that contains all $9$ essential amino acids.

Native structure

The natural spatial (3D) structure of a functional protein.

Denaturation

The destruction of a protein's native structure caused by factors such as heat, heavy metals, strong acids/bases, UV radiation, physical forces, salts, or alcohol, causing the protein to stop functioning.

Coagulation

The process following denaturation where unfolded protein molecules stick together to form visible aggregates.

Casein

A food protein found in milk that supplies amino acids and assists in carrying calcium ($Ca^{2+}$) and phosphate ($PO_4^{3-}$) to young mammals.

Serum albumin

A transport protein found in blood and egg white that carries substances and helps maintain fluid balance in the blood.

Keratin

A structural protein that provides strength and protection to hair, skin, and nails.

Gluten

A group of proteins in wheat, barley, and rye that forms a stretchable network when combined with water, enabling dough to rise.

Enzyme

A protein that accelerates chemical reactions without being consumed in the process.

Lactase

An enzyme that breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose using water.

Insulin

A protein hormone produced by the pancreas that binds to cell receptors to open glucose transporters, permitting glucose uptake into cells.

Type 1 diabetes

A condition characterized by little or no insulin production by the pancreas, leading to high blood glucose levels.

Type 2 diabetes

A condition where body cells respond poorly to insulin, causing glucose levels in the blood to remain elevated.

Roles of proteins

The diverse biological functions of proteins, including enzymatic, structural, signaling, regulatory, transport, sensory, motor, defense, and storage functions.

Eucaloric diet

A diet where caloric intake matches energy expenditure to maintain body weight.

Hypocaloric diet

A caloric deficit diet designed for weight loss or fat reduction.

Hypercaloric diet

A caloric surplus diet supplying more energy than consumed, used for weight gain or muscle mass accumulation.