Comparative Proteomics Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms from the comparative proteomics lecture, along with their definitions for study and review.

Proteomics

The large-scale study of proteins, particularly their functions and expressions.

Proteome

All of the proteins found in a specific biological context (cell, tissue, life stage, organism). Constantly changing and differs from cell to cell.

Proteome

also includes: protein functions, protein-protein interactions, cellular locations, expression levels, and posttranslational modifications of all proteins within all cells and tissues at all stages of development.

Protein diversity

thought to be due to alternative splicing and posttranslational modification of proteins

Human Proteome Organization (HUPO)

An organization dedicated to cataloging human proteins, their functions, and their interactions.

Transcription

The process of creating an RNA molecule based on a DNA template.

Translation

The process of creating a polypeptide based on an mRNA molecule.

Post-transcriptional Modification

Changes made to RNA molecules after transcription that affect protein coding.

RNA Editing

The process of altering RNA sequences by substituting, inserting, or deleting bases.

Alternative Splicing

A process by which portions of the mRNA are modified to produce different proteins.

mRNA Degradation

The process by which mRNA is broken down or maintained, affecting protein production.

Proteolytic Cleavage

The process by which proteins are activated or inactivated by the removal of specific sections.

Protein Degradation

The regulatory process allowing the controlled breakdown of specific proteins.

Protein-Protein Interaction

The functional associations between two or more proteins.

Glycosylation

The addition of carbohydrate groups to proteins or lipids, affecting their function and interactions.

Phosphorylation

The addition of a phosphoryl group to a molecule, regulating enzyme activity.

Denaturation

The process that disrupts the structures of proteins, important for molecular weight determination.

SDS-PAGE

A method for separating proteins based on their molecular weight using polyacrylamide gel.

Electrophoresis

The movement of charged molecules in an electric field.

Western Blotting

A technique used to transfer proteins onto a membrane for detection and identification.

Cladogram

A diagram showing the evolutionary relationships among species based on shared characteristics.