Aminoácidos y Proteínas

Study Notes

Amino Acids

Amino acids are organic compounds containing both an amino group (-NH2) and a carboxyl group (-COOH).
They are the building blocks of proteins.
There are 20 standard amino acids, each with a unique side chain (R group).
The R group determines the specific properties of each amino acid (e.g., polarity, charge).
Amino acids are linked together by peptide bonds to form polypeptide chains.
Peptide bonds are formed through a dehydration reaction.
The sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain determines its structure and function.
Essential amino acids cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained from the diet.
Nonessential amino acids can be synthesized by the body.
Amino acids are involved in many cellular processes beyond protein synthesis, like energy metabolism.

Proteins

Proteins are complex molecules composed of one or more polypeptide chains.
Proteins have diverse functions in living organisms, including:
- Structural support (e.g., collagen).
- Catalysis (e.g., enzymes).
- Transport (e.g., hemoglobin).
- Regulation (e.g., hormones).
- Defense (e.g., antibodies).
Protein structure is hierarchical:
- Primary structure: linear sequence of amino acids.
- Secondary structure: local folding patterns (e.g., alpha-helices, beta-sheets).
- Tertiary structure: overall 3D shape of the polypeptide chain.
- Quaternary structure: arrangement of multiple polypeptide chains in a complex protein.
Protein structure is crucial for its function.
Protein shape can be altered by environmental factors (e.g., temperature, pH).
Denaturation occurs when a protein loses its 3D structure, and often its function.
Proteins are crucial for maintaining and regulating most of the cellular processes.

Nucleic Acids

Nucleic acids are the informational molecules of cells.
They store and transmit genetic information.
Two main types of nucleic acids:
- DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)
- RNA (ribonucleic acid)
DNA:
- Double-stranded helix.
- Composed of nucleotides:
  - Deoxyribose sugar
  - Phosphate group
  - Nitrogenous base (adenine, thymine, guanine, cytosine).
- Stores genetic information.
- Typically found in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells.
RNA:
- Single-stranded.
- Composed of nucleotides:
  - Ribose sugar
  - Phosphate group
  - Nitrogenous base (adenine, uracil, guanine, cytosine).
- Several types of RNA have crucial roles in protein synthesis:
  - mRNA (messenger RNA)
  - tRNA (transfer RNA)
  - rRNA (ribosomal RNA)
- Involved in protein synthesis and gene regulation.
The sequence of nucleotides in DNA determines the sequence of amino acids in proteins.
DNA replication is the process of copying DNA to produce identical copies.
Gene expression is the process by which genetic information is used to synthesize proteins.
Nucleic acids are crucial for all life processes, underpinning heredity and cellular function.

Description

Este cuestionario explora la estructura y función de los aminoácidos y las proteínas. Los aminoácidos son los bloques de construcción de las proteínas y desempeñan un papel crucial en muchos procesos celulares. Aprende sobre los aminoácidos esenciales y no esenciales, así como sobre la formación de enlaces peptídicos.