Proteins and Nucleic Acids

Chapter 2 Part 5

proteins

account for more than 50% of the dry mass of most cells. functions include structural support, storage, transport, cellular communication, movement, defense against foreign substances, hormones, muscle, bone

alleles

different versions of the same genes

How many monomers go into building a polymer of protein?

23

amino acids

a carboxyl, amino, and r group.

Are amino acids polar or non-polar?

they can be either polar or non-polar. if there is only C & H in the R group, it is non-polar, if there is an O it will be polar

What is a polymer of amino acids called?

a polypeptide

primary structure

a proteins unique structure of amino acids, only structure in a proteins held by true bonds (covalent).

secondary structure

found in most proteins, caused by hydrogen bonds between side chains, contains alpha-helix and beta-pleated sheets. Hydrophobic with hydrophobic, hydrophilic with hydrophilic.

tertiary structure

determined by interactions among various side chains (R groups) - ionic, hydrophobic, di-sulfide bridges.

mutation

when a faulty protein is made with a substitute amino acid

quanternary structure

consist of more than one chain of amino acids (multiple peptides)

denaturation

when a protein structure is changed by external factors like temperature and pH which destroys secondary, tertiary, and quanternary bonds.

nucleic acids

DNA and RNA; phosphate group, sugar, nitrogenous base

DNA

deoxyribonucleic acid; a double stranded nucleic acid with deoxyribose as its sugar; stores genetic information and never leaves the cell nucleus

RNA

ribonucleic acid; a single stranded nucleic acid that uses ribose as its sugar; copies and transports genetic information to ribosomes to express genetic information.

ATP

a special nucleotide that works like a battery in your cells bonding where it is needed in your cells for energy