Amino Acids and Protein Synthesis

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Questions and Answers

During protein synthesis, what is the crucial role of tRNA?

  • Transporting specific amino acids to the ribosome for incorporation into the growing polypeptide chain. (correct)
  • Facilitating the proper folding of newly synthesized proteins.
  • Catalyzing the transcription of DNA into RNA.
  • Synthesizing mRNA molecules to carry genetic information.

What are the fundamental chemical groups that compose every amino acid molecule?

  • An amino group, a sugar moiety, and a variable side chain.
  • A phosphate group, a sugar moiety, and a nitrogenous base.
  • An amino group, a phosphate group, and a carboxylic acid group.
  • An amino group, a carboxylic acid group, and a distinctive side chain. (correct)

Which component of an amino acid dictates its unique chemical properties and ultimately its role in protein structure?

  • The alpha carbon, which serves as the central atom to which all groups are attached.
  • The amino group (-NH2), which can accept a proton and become positively charged.
  • The carboxyl group (-COOH), which is involved in forming peptide bonds.
  • The R group (side chain), which varies in structure, size, charge, and reactivity. (correct)

What specific type of covalent bond is responsible for linking amino acids together during protein synthesis?

<p>A peptide bond. (C)</p>
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During the ribosomal synthesis of a polypeptide chain, in what direction are amino acids added?

<p>From the N-terminal end to the C-terminal end. (B)</p>
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Among the standard amino acids, which one uniquely lacks chirality?

<p>Glycine (B)</p>
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Which category of amino acids are humans unable to synthesize and therefore must obtain through their diet?

<p>Essential amino acids (C)</p>
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What structural characteristic defines an amino acid as a zwitterion?

<p>It possesses both a positive and a negative charge within the same molecule, resulting in an overall neutral charge. (D)</p>
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Which amino acid contains a secondary amine group and forms a cyclic structure involving its side chain?

<p>Proline (D)</p>
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In the context of amino acid stereochemistry, what does the designation 'L-isomer' signify?

<p>The left-handed chiral form commonly found in proteins. (B)</p>
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Which group of amino acids is characterized by branched side chains and hydrophobic properties?

<p>Leucine, isoleucine, valine (A)</p>
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Which of the following accurately describes the function of peptide bonds?

<p>They connect amino acids in proteins. (A)</p>
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Which amino acid features the simplest R group consisting of only a hydrogen atom?

<p>Glycine (A)</p>
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During protein synthesis, what specific role does the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) play?

<p>Facilitating the synthesis of proteins by ribosomes. (D)</p>
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What is the net charge of an amino acid at its isoelectric point (pI)?

<p>No overall charge. (C)</p>
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How does phosphorylation typically affect the properties of an amino acid residue within a protein?

<p>It adds a negatively charged phosphate group. (D)</p>
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Which level of protein structure is primarily stabilized by hydrogen bonds between the amino and carboxyl groups of amino acids in the polypeptide backbone?

<p>Secondary structure (D)</p>
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Which of the following post-translational modifications involves the addition of a sugar molecule to a protein?

<p>Glycosylation (C)</p>
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What is the primary role of chaperone proteins in protein folding?

<p>To assist in the correct folding of newly synthesized or unfolded proteins. (C)</p>
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What type of interaction is primarily responsible for the formation of the tertiary structure of a protein?

<p>Hydrophobic interactions between nonpolar side chains. (D)</p>
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Flashcards

tRNA function

tRNA delivers appropriate amino acids to the ribosome for protein synthesis during translation.

Amino acid components

Every amino acid consists of an amine group, a carboxylic acid group, and a side chain (R group).

Amino acid variability

The R group (side chain) varies among amino acids, determining their unique properties such as charge, size, and hydrophobicity.

Peptide bond

Amino acids link together through peptide bonds, which form between the carboxyl group of one amino acid and the amino group of another, creating a polypeptide chain.

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Protein synthesis direction

Proteins are built in the N-terminal to C-terminal direction, with the N-terminal end being the start of the polypeptide chain and the C-terminal end being the finish.

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Achiral amino acid

Glycine is the only achiral amino acid because its R group is a hydrogen atom, making the alpha carbon not bonded to four different groups.

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Essential amino acids

Essential amino acids must be consumed in the diet because the human body cannot synthesize them in sufficient quantities.

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Zwitterion

An amino acid is a zwitterion when it has both a positive (amino group) and a negative (carboxyl group) charge, resulting in a net neutral charge.

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Proline's structure

Proline has a secondary amine group and forms a ring with its side chain, making it unique among the 20 common amino acids.

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L-isomer

The L-isomer refers to the left-handed chiral form of amino acids that is used in proteins.

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Branched-chain amino acids

Leucine, isoleucine, and valine are branched-chain amino acids that are also hydrophobic, meaning they are poorly soluble in water.

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Function of peptide bonds

Peptide bonds link amino acids together to form polypeptide chains and proteins.

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Simplest R group

Glycine has the simplest R group, which is just a hydrogen atom (H).

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Rough ER function

The rough endoplasmic reticulum is studded with ribosomes, which synthesize proteins. It helps in protein folding and modification.

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Isoelectric point

At the isoelectric point, an amino acid has no net electrical charge because the positive and negative charges are balanced.

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Study Notes

  • These notes cover key concepts related to amino acids, protein structure, and translation.

tRNA Function

  • tRNA’s primary role in translation is to deliver amino acids to ribosomes for protein synthesis.

Amino Acid Components

  • Every amino acid contains an amine group, a carboxylic acid group, and a side chain (R group).

Variable R Group

  • The R group (side chain) is what varies among amino acids, determining their unique properties.

Peptide Bond Formation

  • When amino acids link together, they form a peptide bond.

Protein Synthesis Direction

  • Proteins are built in the N-terminal to C-terminal direction.

Achiral Amino Acid

  • Glycine is the only amino acid that is not chiral.

Essential Amino Acids

  • Essential amino acids must be obtained through diet.

Zwitterions

  • A zwitterion has both positive and negative charges but is overall neutral.

Secondary Amine

  • Proline has a secondary amine and forms a ring with its side chain.

L-Isomer

  • The term "L-isomer" refers to the left-handed chiral form of amino acids used in proteins.

Branched-Chain Amino Acids

  • Leucine, isoleucine, and valine are branched-chain and hydrophobic amino acids.

Peptide Bond Function

  • Peptide bonds link amino acids together.

Simplest R Group

  • Glycine has the simplest R group, which is just a hydrogen atom (H).

Rough ER

  • The rough endoplasmic reticulum assists ribosomes in protein synthesis.

Isoelectric Point

  • At the isoelectric point, an amino acid has no overall charge.

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