Concept: Protein structure

5 important questions on Concept: Protein structure

What is a protein?

A protein is a biologically functional molecule that consists of one or more polypeptides.

Why do amino acids differ in their properties?

Because of the differing side chains, called R groups.

There are 20 common amino acids. They can be categorized in 5 different subgroups. What are these subgroups?

- the hydrophobic side chains --> more greasy
- the polar/hydrophilic side chains
-  highly polar, the side chains contain a carboxlylic acid. Are negatively charged, Acidic.
- positively charged--> basic.
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What are some properties of a polypeptide?

A polypeptide range in length from a few to more than 1000 monomers. Each polypeptide has a unique linear sequence of amino acids, with a carboxyl end (C-terminus) and an amino en (N-terminus)

Give three ways of visualizing proteins.

- Space-filling model --> shows what space a protein uses.
- Ribbon model --> shows the backbone  and gives the overall shape
- Wire frame model --> shows what the side chaines of each amino acid are doing.

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