Lecture 9: Proteins – Primary Structure

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to the primary structure of proteins, including amino acids and the effects of phenylketonuria.

Phenylketonuria (PKU)

A metabolic disorder caused by a genetic abnormality that prevents the conversion of phenylalanine into its metabolites.

Amino Acid (AA)

Building blocks of proteins, typically categorized based on their side chain properties such as polarity and charge.

Primary Structure

The unique sequence of amino acids in a protein, dictating its overall structure and function.

Catalytic Domain

The part of an enzyme where substrate molecules bind and undergo a chemical reaction.

Missense Mutation

A genetic mutation that results in the substitution of one amino acid for another in a protein.

Neurotransmitter

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across the synapse between neurons.

Essential Amino Acids

Amino acids that cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained from the diet.

Non-essential Amino Acids

Amino acids that can be synthesized by the body and do not need to be obtained from the diet.

Peptide Bond

The bond formed between two amino acids through a dehydration reaction, resulting in a polypeptide.

Polypeptide

A chain of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds, forming the primary structure of proteins.