Proteins
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Proteins
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Explain the Four levels of structure of proteins and their significance

a)     Primary

i)        Nature

(1)  Linear sequence of amino acids with peptide linkages

ii)      Significance

(1)  Chances in sequence may have overall effect on structure and activity

(2)  Almost infinite number of sequences

b)     Secondary

i)        Nature

(1)The formation of the alpha-helix and beta-pleated sheets, held together by hydrogen bonds.

ii)      Significance

(1)  ?

c)     Tertiary

i)        Nature

(1)  a complex structure, usually globular, resulting from further folding of the secondary structure of protein

(2)  forms spontaneously due to attractions and repulsions among amino acids with different charges on their R groups.

(3)  Active sites possible,added strength due to Ionic bonds, disulphide linkages, and possibly prosthetic groups and coenzymes.

d)     Quaternary

i)        the overall structure of a globular protein molecule that consists of two or more polypeptide chains.

ii)      Most large, non-structural proteins have more than one polypeptide and this leads to a greater range of biological activity.

Outline the difference between Fibrous and Globular proteins, with reference to two examples of each type

 

 

Fibrous Proteins

Globular Proteins

Sequences of amino acids
Regular

Irregular

Polypeptide Chains

Long Parallel Strands

Folded Into Spherical Shape

Length of Chain

Varies

Identical

Structure

Stable

Instable

Solubility

Insoluble

Soluble

Function

Structural

Metabolic

Examples

Collagen and keratin

Enzymes and hormones insulin and haemoglobin

 

Explain the significance of Polar / Non Polar Amino Acids

  • There are only 20 different amino acids, and the only differences between them lie in their side (-R) groups.

  • The side groups in seven of the amino acids have Polar Regions; in acid or basic solution, these regions can become charged.

  • In eight of the molecules, the side group consists of short chains or rings of carbon and hydrogen atoms; as you would expect, such groups are non-polar and thus hydrophobic.

  • The remaining five amino acids have side groups that are either weak acids or weak bases.

    State Six functions of Proteins, giving an example of each

  • Enzymes - pepsin

  • Cell transport - membrane proteins

  • Structural - collagen

  • Hormones - insulin

  • Immunoglobulins - antibodies

  • Transport - haemoglobin

    Other Notes in this Category

    1. Cell Respiration
    2. Enzymes
    3. Membranes
    4. Photosynthesis
    5. Proteins

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