Protein Structure and Function Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards focusing on macromolecules, protein folding levels, enzymatic functions, and polypeptide chemistry.

Dry Mass Protein Percentage

Proteins account for around $50\%$ of the dry mass of most cells.

Biological Catalyst

An enzyme (a type of protein) that helps speed up chemical reactions.

Lactase

An enzyme located in the small intestine that functions to digest the milk sugar lactose.

Polypeptide

A polymer formed by joining multiple (two or more) amino acid monomers together.

Peptide Bond

A covalent bond created between amino acids through a dehydration reaction where water is removed.

N-terminus

The end of a polypeptide chain containing the amino group (amino end).

C-terminus

The end of a polypeptide chain containing the carboxyl group (carboxyl end).

Protein

A biological molecule consisting of one or more polypeptides twisted, folded, or coiled into a specific shape.

Primary Structure

The unique sequence of amino acids in a protein chain determined by genetic code.

Secondary Structure

Protein structure consisting of polypeptide backbone constituents that are stabilized by hydrogen bonds.

Tertiary Structure

The overall three-dimensional conformational structure of a protein resulting from interactions between amino acid side chains.

Disulfide Bridges

Strong covalent bonds formed between side chains that stabilize a protein's tertiary structure.

Quaternary Structure

The structural level that results when a functional protein consists of multiple polypeptide chains or subunits.