Dehydration Synthesis: A chemical reaction that links monomers together by removing water.
Peptide Bond: Formed between two amino acids when a carbon is double-bonded to oxygen and bonded to nitrogen. This bond is crucial in protein structure.
Normal Red Blood Cells: Rounded shape allows easy movement and oxygen transport.
Sickle-shaped Cells: In sickle cell anemia, red blood cells become crescent-shaped, leading to:
Difficulty in carrying oxygen.
Increased chance of blockage in small blood vessels, causing pain and potential complications.
Carrying the Trait: Individuals may carry the sickle cell trait without exhibiting severe symptoms but are still at risk of producing sickle-shaped cells in certain circumstances.
Definition: The linear sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain.
Importance: Determined by genetic information in DNA; critical for the function of the protein.
Definition: Local folding of the polypeptide backbone into alpha-helices or beta-sheets due to hydrogen bonding.
Example: Chains of amino acids twist into a helical shape or fold into sheets.
Definition: The overall 3D shape of a polypeptide, formed by interactions among the side chains (R groups) of the amino acids.
Interactions Include: Ionic bonds, hydrogen bonds, and hydrophobic interactions that stabilize the protein’s form.
Definition: The association of multiple polypeptide chains to form a functional protein.
Examples: Hemoglobin contains four polypeptide chains that collectively transport oxygen.
Hemoglobin forms a cage-like structure that holds oxygen molecules.
Collagen, on the other hand, provides structural integrity and elasticity.
Denaturation: If proteins are exposed to unfavorable conditions (extreme pH, temperature, or salinity), they can denature, losing their functional shape.
Example: Cooking an egg causes proteins to denature, changing from a liquid to a solid form and losing original functionality.
Enzymes: Proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions by lowering activation energy.
Work optimally in specific conditions:
Stomach enzymes function in highly acidic environments.
Small intestine enzymes work best in neutral to basic conditions.
Effects of Temperature and pH: Enzyme activity can vary with body temperature (around 98.6°F) and pH levels in the digestive system. Fever can raise temperature, potentially affecting enzyme efficiency.
DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid; carries genetic information in the form of sequences.
RNA: Ribonucleic acid; involved in protein synthesis and gene expression.
Monomers: Nucleotides (composed of sugar, phosphate, and nitrogenous base), which are linked by covalent bonds to form polynucleotides.
Function: Both serve as information carriers, not for energy or structural purposes.
Proteins and nucleic acids are essential biomolecules.
Their structure is complex and dictated by environmental conditions, and understanding these principles is crucial in fields like biochemistry and genetics.