Biochemistry: Protein Structure and Function

The tendency of a protein to bind specifically to its target molecule.

The ability of a protein to bind preferentially to its target molecule over other molecules.

A protein that has a unique and very specific binding site that recognizes and inactivates or tags its target.

The target molecule that an antibody binds to.

A biological catalyst that speeds up chemical reactions in living organisms.

The molecules that an enzyme interacts with and converts into products.

The unstable intermediate state that molecules pass through during a reaction.

The minimum amount of energy needed for a reaction to occur.

A strong, flexible bond between two cysteine amino acids, formed by the oxidation of their sulfhydryl groups. This type of bond is important in protein structure and stability, particularly in enzymes and structural proteins.

The specific 3-dimensional arrangement of a polypeptide chain, including interactions between side chains. This intricate arrangement determines the protein's function.

Interactions between protein side chains that shape its structure. These include electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonds, van der Waals forces, and hydrophobic interactions.

The arrangement of multiple polypeptide chains in a protein complex. Each polypeptide chain maintains its own tertiary structure, while interacting with other chains.

The structured organization of solvent molecules (like water) around a solute (like a protein). This organization is influenced by the protein's surface properties.

The point at which a protein has no net charge. This property is used in techniques like electrophoresis to separate proteins based on their charge.

Proteins that have a compact, globular shape and are usually involved in various biological functions.

Proteins that form long, fibrous structures and provide support and strength to cells and tissues.

A graph with one axis plotted on a logarithmic scale, used to visualize data with an exponential relationship.

A technique for converting measurements from one unit to another, using factors to maintain dimensional consistency.

The number of digits in a measurement that are known with certainty plus one uncertain digit.

A mathematical expression where a variable is raised to a power.

A mathematical function that reverses the effect of an exponential function.

A method used to represent very large or very small numbers. It expresses a number as a product of a decimal number between 1 and 10 and a power of 10.

Solving two or more equations with two or more unknowns, finding values that satisfy all equations simultaneously.

The ratio of the opposite side to the adjacent side of a right triangle.

A method used to find the angle in a right triangle given two sides.

A quantity that has both magnitude and direction.

DNA replication is called semi-conservative because each new DNA molecule contains one original strand from the parent molecule and one newly synthesized strand.

An enzyme that unwinds the DNA double helix at the replication fork, separating the two strands.

Enzymes that relieve the tension created by unwinding the DNA double helix.

Proteins that bind to single-stranded DNA, preventing them from re-pairing.

An enzyme that synthesizes short RNA primers, which are necessary for DNA polymerase to start replication.

An enzyme that adds nucleotides to the new DNA strand, following the replication fork.

An enzyme that joins Okazaki fragments, which are short segments of DNA synthesized on the lagging strand.

An enzyme that adds repetitive sequences to the ends of chromosomes, protecting them from degradation during replication.

Enzymes that can be activated or deactivated by regulatory molecules binding to a specific site on the enzyme, leading to conformational changes.

A small molecule that binds to an allosteric site of an enzyme, influencing its activity without being a substrate.

The binding of the enzyme's substrate itself acts as a regulator, promoting enzyme activity.

A regulator molecule that is not the enzyme's substrate binds to the enzyme and influences its activity.

Enzyme regulation through the addition or removal of a small molecular modifier, often a phosphate group.

An inactive precursor of an enzyme that is activated by a specific event, such as proteolytic cleavage or a change in environment.

A biological polymer composed of nucleotides linked by phosphodiester bonds, crucial for information storage and transfer.

The basic building block of nucleic acids, consisting of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

The process of cell division that produces gametes (sperm and egg cells), which have half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell.

A type of cell division that results in two daughter cells that are genetically identical to the parent cell.

The exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during prophase I of meiosis. This process leads to greater genetic diversity.

A point where homologous chromosomes are connected during crossing over.

The failure of homologous chromosomes or sister chromatids to separate properly during meiosis. This can result in gametes with abnormal chromosome numbers.

A process where homologous chromosomes line up alongside each other during prophase I of meiosis.

Chromosomes that contain the same genes but may have different alleles. They pair up during meiosis.

A unit of heredity that is responsible for a particular trait.