Biochemistry of Amino Acids and Hormones
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Questions and Answers

Which amino acid serves as a precursor for histamine production?

  • Arginine
  • Histidine (correct)
  • Cysteine
  • Serine
  • Which property is unique to glycine among the amino acids?

  • Optical inactivity (correct)
  • High melting point
  • High solubility in ethanol
  • Amphoteric nature
  • Which amino acid is primarily associated with collagen and gelatin?

  • N-methyl-lysine
  • Desmosine
  • MethylHistidine
  • Hydroxyproline (correct)
  • What role do essential amino acids play in human health?

    <p>Supporting growth in infants (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the effect of amino acids on polarized light due to their structure?

    <p>Most amino acids are optically active except glycine (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which property allows amino acids to react with both acids and alkalis?

    <p>Amphoteric properties (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which amino acid is crucial in the structure of the anticoagulant protein prothrombin?

    <p>γ-Carboxyglutamate (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main biochemical function of glycine in detoxification?

    <p>Contributing to the ammonia removal process (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of glucagon in the body?

    <p>Increases blood glucose levels (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does oxytocin affect uterine contractions during parturition?

    <p>It initiates the contractions of the uterus (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is true regarding vasopressin?

    <p>It decreases glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does corticotropin play in the endocrine system?

    <p>Promotes secretion of steroid hormones from the adrenal cortex (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary structure length of oxytocin?

    <p>9 amino acids (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement about glutathione is correct?

    <p>It acts as a biological antioxidant. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the effect of the natriuretic factor on the body?

    <p>Promotes diuresis and decreases blood pressure (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which hormone is responsible for stimulating the release of thyrotropin?

    <p>TRH (thyrotropin releasing hormone) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes proteins from peptides?

    <p>Proteins contain more than 50 amino acids. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which level of protein structure is primarily determined by the sequence of amino acids?

    <p>Primary structure (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of bond is primarily responsible for stabilizing the secondary structure of proteins?

    <p>Hydrogen bonds (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which structure do proteins gain additional complexity when formed by multiple polypeptide chains?

    <p>Quaternary structure (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What feature characterizes the primary structure of proteins?

    <p>Linear sequence of amino acids (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the N-terminal of a protein?

    <p>The end with a free amine group (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which structural arrangement results in the formation of an alpha helix?

    <p>Twisting of the polypeptide backbone (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to protein function if there is a change in conformation?

    <p>The protein may lose its functionality. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following amino acids is classified as an imino acid?

    <p>Proline (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    At physiological pH (7.4), which form does the amino group of an amino acid take?

    <p>Positively charged (-NH3+) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which classification method is NOT commonly used for amino acids?

    <p>Physical classification (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which group of amino acids is characterized by being least soluble in water?

    <p>Nonpolar hydrophobic amino acids (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of isomers can amino acids with an asymmetric center at the α-carbon form?

    <p>Enantiomers (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary characteristic of glucogenic amino acids?

    <p>They can be converted into glucose. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which amino acid group includes cysteine due to its ability to form hydrogen bonds?

    <p>Polar hydrophilic uncharged amino acids (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following amino acids is classified as a branched-chain amino acid?

    <p>Leucine (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following amino acids are classified as polar amino acids with a negative charge on their R group?

    <p>Aspartate (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which two amino acids are exclusively categorized as pure ketogenic amino acids?

    <p>Lysine and Leucine (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following amino acids is considered semi-essential?

    <p>Histidine (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which amino acid functions as a neurotransmitter and is derived from glutamate?

    <p>GABA (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In terms of metabolic classification, which amino acids are categorized as both glucogenic and ketogenic?

    <p>Phenylalanine and Tyrosine (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which amino acids are known to participate in the urea cycle?

    <p>Arginine and Ornithine (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following amino acids contains iodine and serves as a precursor to thyroid hormones?

    <p>Monoiodotyrosine (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which two amino acids are classified as non-essential?

    <p>Serine and Glycine (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which compound is involved in converting toxic substances into non-toxic compounds through a defense mechanism?

    <p>Glutathione (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement correctly describes the action of Bradykinin?

    <p>It acts as a vasodilator and mediates pain sensation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of beta-endorphin in the body?

    <p>To provide natural pain relief and enhance mood. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many amino acids are contained in Kallidin?

    <p>10 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes Aspartame?

    <p>It is a dipeptide synthesized from phenylalanine and L-aspartic acid. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect does Glutathione have on proteins?

    <p>It prevents oxidation of sulfhydryl groups in proteins. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following peptides is noted for having a powerful analgesic effect?

    <p>Met-enkephalin (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one consequence of G6PD deficiency related to Glutathione?

    <p>Hemolytic anemia. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    What are amino acids?

    They are a group of 20 organic molecules that serve as the building blocks of proteins. These molecules contain a central carbon atom bonded to an amino group (NH2), a carboxyl group (COOH), a hydrogen atom (H), and a side chain (R) which determines the amino acid's unique properties

    What are alpha-amino acids?

    In proteins, they are always alpha-amino acids, which means the amino group is attached to the carbon atom next to the carboxyl group.

    What are D and L forms of amino acids?

    Amino acids exist in two forms: D and L, which are mirror images of each other. Proteins use only L-form amino acids.

    How do side chains determine the properties of amino acids?

    The side chain (R) can vary, giving each amino acid unique properties like polarity, charge, size, and shape. These properties affect how the amino acid interacts with other molecules and helps determine the protein's structure and function.

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    How are amino acids classified based on their side chains?

    Amino acids are classified based on their side chain's polarity. Based on how they interact with water: Nonpolar, Polar uncharged and Polar Charged

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    What are nonpolar amino acids?

    Nonpolar amino acids have hydrophobic side chains, meaning they don't interact well with water and prefer to be grouped together. They are important for protein folding, stability, and membrane interactions.

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    What are polar uncharged amino acids?

    Polar uncharged amino acids have side chains that interact with water through hydrogen bonds. They contribute to protein solubility and stability, and are often found on the protein surface.

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    What are polar charged amino acids?

    Polar charged amino acids have side chains with a net positive or negative charge. They play crucial roles in protein function, such as enzyme activity, DNA binding, and ion transport.

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    Hydroxyl-containing Amino Acids

    Amino acids with a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to their side chain, such as serine, threonine, tyrosine, hydroxylysine, and hydroxyproline.

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    Amide-containing Amino Acids

    These amino acids contain an amide group (-CONH2) in their side chain, examples are glutamine and asparagine.

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    Basic Amino Acids

    These amino acids carry a positive charge on their side chain (R group) due to the presence of basic groups like lysine, arginine, and histidine.

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    Acidic Amino Acids

    These amino acids carry a negative charge on their side chain (R group) due to the presence of acidic groups like aspartate and glutamate.

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    Essential Amino Acids

    Amino acids that the body cannot synthesize and must be obtained from the diet, these are essential for proper growth, health, and protein synthesis.

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    Semiessential Amino Acids

    Amino acids that can be synthesized by the body but not in sufficient amounts, especially in children.

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    Non-Essential Amino Acids

    These amino acids are synthesized in the body in sufficient amounts for both children and adults. These include the remaining amino acids not classified as essential or semiessential.

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    Non-Protein Amino Acids

    Amino acids that are not directly incorporated into proteins, but play crucial roles in various metabolic processes.

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    Cystine

    A dipeptide formed by the joining of two cysteine molecules. It is crucial for maintaining the structure of proteins.

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    Hydroxyproline

    A modified amino acid found in collagen and gelatin. It is formed by the addition of a hydroxyl group to proline.

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    Hydroxylysine

    A modified amino acid found in collagen and gelatin. It is formed by the addition of a hydroxyl group to lysine.

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    N-methyl-lysine

    A modified amino acid found in muscle protein myosin. It is formed by the addition of a methyl group to lysine.

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    Methylhistidine

    A modified amino acid found in muscle protein myosin. It is formed by the addition of a methyl group to histidine.

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    γ-Carboxyglutamate

    A modified amino acid found in prothrombin and bone protein. It is formed by the addition of a carboxyl group to glutamate.

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    Desmosine

    A complex amino acid found in elastin, formed by the linking of four lysine residues. It provides elasticity to tissues.

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    Why are amino acids important for health?

    Amino acids are essential for growth and development. They provide building blocks for proteins, hormones, and enzymes.

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    Insulin: What is it?

    A hormone produced by the beta cells of the pancreas, responsible for lowering blood glucose levels. It consists of 30 amino acids followed by 21 amino acids.

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    Glucagon: What is it?

    A hormone produced by the alpha cells of the pancreas, responsible for increasing blood glucose levels. It consists of 29 amino acids.

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    Oxytocin: What does it do?

    A hormone secreted by the posterior pituitary gland. It consists of 9 amino acids and stimulates uterine contractions. It plays a crucial role in childbirth by initiating and completing labor.

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    Vasopressin: What does it do?

    A hormone secreted by the posterior pituitary gland. It is also called antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and consists of 9 amino acids. It helps regulate water balance in the body by decreasing glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and retaining water.

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    Natriuretic Factor: What is it?

    A peptide consisting of 28 amino acids produced by specialized cells in the heart and nervous tissue. It acts to counteract the effects of vasopressin by promoting the production of dilute urine and lowering blood pressure.

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    Corticotropin: What is it?

    A hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland that stimulates the adrenal cortex to secrete steroid hormones. It consists of 39 amino acids.

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    TRH (Thyrotropin Releasing Hormone) What does it do?

    A hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland that stimulates the release of thyrotropin (TSH) from the anterior pituitary. It consists of 3 amino acids.

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    Glutathione: What is it?

    A tripeptide consisting of glutamic acid, cysteine, and glycine. Found in all mammalian cells except neurons, it plays important roles as an antioxidant and in amino acid absorption.

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    Primary structure of Protein

    A linear sequence of amino acids (AAs) linked by peptide bonds forming a backbone. This structure is determined by the genetic information in DNA, dictating the order of AAs.

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    Secondary structure of Protein

    The spatial arrangement of amino acids close to each other in the polypeptide chain. This structure arises from interactions between adjacent amino acid residues, like hydrogen bonding.

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    Tertiary structure of Protein

    The overall 3-dimensional structure of a protein, formed by the folding and interactions of the polypeptide chain. This structure is critical for protein function.

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    Quaternary structure of Protein

    The arrangement of multiple polypeptide chains (subunits) within a protein complex. This structure is only present in proteins made up of more than one polypeptide chain.

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    Peptide bond

    The covalent bond that links amino acids together in a polypeptide chain. It is a strong bond that gives the protein its backbone.

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    Alpha helix

    A type of secondary structure where the polypeptide chain coils into a helix shape. This structure is stabilized by hydrogen bonds between amino acids.

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    Beta-sheet

    A type of secondary structure where the polypeptide chain folds into a sheet-like structure with hydrogen bonds between adjacent strands.

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    Protein Conformation

    Any change in the 3-dimensional structure of a protein. This can affect the protein's function and may lead to disease.

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    What is Glutathione?

    Glutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide, a molecule composed of three amino acids: cysteine, glycine, and glutamate. It's a crucial antioxidant found in most cells. It plays a vital role in protecting cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals, detoxifying harmful substances, and even boosting the immune system.

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    How does Glutathione work as an antioxidant?

    Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that scavenges free radicals and peroxides, preventing them from causing damage to cells. This action safeguards tissues and organs from oxidative stress.

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    How does Glutathione aid in detoxification?

    By combining with toxic compounds, glutathione helps neutralize them, making them less harmful to the body. This detoxification process aids in protecting the body from harmful chemicals and toxins.

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    What is Bradykinin?

    Bradykinin is a potent vasodilator, causing blood vessels to widen and lowering blood pressure. It also causes smooth muscles to contract, aiding in various bodily functions.

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    What are Enkephalins and their role in pain perception?

    Enkephalins are pentapeptide neurotransmitters produced by the brain. They act as natural pain relievers by binding to specific receptors in the brain.

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    What is Aspartame, and what is its role in food?

    Aspartame is a dipeptide, a compound made of two amino acids: phenylalanine and aspartic acid. It's a popular artificial sweetener known for its intensely sweet taste.

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    What is Beta-endorphin?

    Beta-endorphin is a peptide hormone released by the pituitary gland and hypothalamus. It acts as a powerful pain reliever, similar to morphine, and has a significant impact on mood and emotions, contributing to feelings of pleasure.

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    What are Valinomycin and Bleomycin, and how do they work?

    Valinomycin is an antibiotic that acts by interfering with the function of certain cellular processes. Bleomycin is an antitumor agent that disrupts DNA replication in cancer cells.

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    Study Notes

    Biochemistry I: Amino Acids, Peptides, and Protein Chemistry

    • The lecture covers amino acids, peptides, and protein chemistry, including their structure, properties, classification, and functions.
    • About 300 amino acids exist naturally, but only 20 are common in proteins.
    • A general structure features in α-amino acids: a central carbon atom (α-carbon) bonded to an amino group (-NH₂), a carboxyl group (-COOH), a hydrogen atom (H), and a variable side chain (R group).
    • The side chain distinguishes each amino acid.
    • All amino acids are α-amino acids except proline, which is an imino acid.
    • L-amino acids are the types used in proteins.
    • At physiological pH (7.4), amino acids exist as zwitterions (with both positive and negatively charged groups).
    • Amino acids are classified based on factors including side chain polarity and charge, among other properties. They can be neutral, acidic, or basic.
    • Amino acids are also classified based on nutritional requirements (essential, non-essential, and semi-essential) and metabolic fate (ketogenic, glucogenic, both).
    • Special groups in amino acids include guanidinium (in arginine), benzene (in phenylalanine), phenol (in tyrosine), indole (in tryptophan), imidazole (in histidine), pyrrolidine (in proline).
    • Selenocysteine is the 21st amino acid, and pyrrolysine is the 22nd.
    • Amino acids with properties like polarity are categorized as neutral, polar (hydrophilic), acidic, and basic.
    • Classification based on polarity (hydrophobic, hydrophilic, and charged) helps determine their solubility in water.
    • Amino acids can be classified based on chemical properties of their side chains (neutral, acidic, basic).
    • Amino acids can be classified based on characteristics of their side chains (aliphatic, aromatic, heterocyclic, containing hydroxyl, sulfur).
    • Some amino acids contain a hydrocarbon side chain (e.g., glycine, alanine, valine).
    • Other amino acids have hydroxyl groups in their side chains (e.g., serine, threonine, tyrosine).
    • Some amino acids have sulfur groups in their side chains (e.g., cysteine, methionine).
    • Amino acids have amide side chains (e.g., asparagine, glutamine).
    • Amino acids can have acidic side chains (e.g., aspartic acid, glutamic acid).
    • Amino acids can have basic side chains (e.g., lysine, arginine, histidine).
    • The formation of a peptide bond involves the removal of a water molecule between the carboxyl group of one amino acid and the amino group of another, requiring energy from ATP.
    • Peptides are formed from a limited number of amino acids, while proteins are formed with a greater number.



    Peptide Bonds and Peptides

    • Peptides are short chains of amino acids linked by peptide bonds.
    • Peptides can range from two to about 50 amino acids.
    • The primary structure of a peptide or protein describes the sequence of amino acids.
    • The primary structure affects the subsequent levels of structure.

    Separation of Peptides

    • Peptides can be separated using techniques like electrophoresis and exchange chromatography.

    Biologically Active Peptides

    • Many peptides function as hormones, neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, antibiotics, and other important biomolecules.
    • Examples of biologically active peptides include insulin, glucagon, vasopressin, oxytocin, corticotropin, TRH, glutathione, bradykinin, kallidin, endorphins, enkephalins, aspartame. 



    Functions of Amino Acids (Biomedical Importance)

    • Amino acids are involved in various biological processes, including forming the structure of proteins, hormones, neurotransmitters, and detoxification.
    • Essential amino acids are required in the diet, whereas most non-essential amino acids can be synthesized in the body.

    Physical Properties of Amino Acids

    • Amino acids are typically soluble in water and organic solvents like ethanol.
    • Most, except glycine, exhibit optical activity due to their chiral center.
    • Their high melting points signify their stability.

    Amphoteric Properties and Isoelectric Point

    • Amino acids act as both acids and bases (amphoteric).
    • In acidic conditions, the amino group accepts a proton, forming a positive ion.
    • In alkaline conditions, the carboxyl group loses a proton, forming a negative ion.
    • Zwitterions are formed at a specific pH, called the isoelectric point (pI), where the net charge is zero.

    Protein Structure

    • Proteins have various levels of structural organization.
    • Primary structure: the linear sequence of amino acids.
    • Secondary structure: recurring local structures like α-helices and β-sheets.
    • Tertiary structure: overall three-dimensional folding of the entire polypeptide chain.
    • Quaternary structure: arrangement of multiple polypeptide chains (subunits) in a protein.
    • The final arrangement results from multiple bonds (hydrogen, hydrophobic, ionic, and disulfide).
    • Specific shapes and arrangements of amino acids dictate how proteins interact.
    • Protein shape arises from specific interactions (e.g., hydrogen bonds, disulfide bonds, hydrophobic interactions, van der Waals forces, ionic interactions).

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