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Questions and Answers
What are the two main types of macromolecules that depend on protein structure and function?
What are the two main types of macromolecules that depend on protein structure and function?
Enzymes and polypeptide hormones.
What is the common structural feature shared by all proteins?
What is the common structural feature shared by all proteins?
Proline has a primary amino group.
Proline has a primary amino group.
False
At physiologic pH, what is the charge of the carboxyl group of amino acids?
At physiologic pH, what is the charge of the carboxyl group of amino acids?
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Which amino acids have uncharged polar side chains?
Which amino acids have uncharged polar side chains?
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The covalent cross-link formed by two cysteines is called a ______ bond.
The covalent cross-link formed by two cysteines is called a ______ bond.
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Which amino acid is unique for being weakly basic and can ionize within the physiologic pH range?
Which amino acid is unique for being weakly basic and can ionize within the physiologic pH range?
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What is the isoelectric point (pI) of an amino acid?
What is the isoelectric point (pI) of an amino acid?
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Match the following amino acids with their properties:
Match the following amino acids with their properties:
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The Henderson-Hasselbalch equation can be used to analyze the dissociation of amino acids.
The Henderson-Hasselbalch equation can be used to analyze the dissociation of amino acids.
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Which one of the following statements concerning the titration curve for a nonpolar amino acid is correct?
Which one of the following statements concerning the titration curve for a nonpolar amino acid is correct?
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Which one of the following statements concerning the peptide Val-Cys-Glu-Ser-Asp-Arg-Cys is correct?
Which one of the following statements concerning the peptide Val-Cys-Glu-Ser-Asp-Arg-Cys is correct?
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If a 2-year-old child has a blood pH of 7.0 and the pKa of aspirin is 3, what is the ratio of its ionized to un-ionized forms?
If a 2-year-old child has a blood pH of 7.0 and the pKa of aspirin is 3, what is the ratio of its ionized to un-ionized forms?
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What is the sequence of amino acids in a peptide called?
What is the sequence of amino acids in a peptide called?
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What type of bond joins amino acids in proteins?
What type of bond joins amino acids in proteins?
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What is the common structure of the α-helix in proteins?
What is the common structure of the α-helix in proteins?
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What does the term 'R group' refer to in the context of amino acids?
What does the term 'R group' refer to in the context of amino acids?
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The _______ of each amino acid is attached to four different chemical groups.
The _______ of each amino acid is attached to four different chemical groups.
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What is the primary feature that stabilizes an α-helix?
What is the primary feature that stabilizes an α-helix?
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How many amino acids are present in each turn of an α-helix?
How many amino acids are present in each turn of an α-helix?
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Which amino acid disrupts an α-helix?
Which amino acid disrupts an α-helix?
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What is a β-sheet?
What is a β-sheet?
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What is the difference between parallel and antiparallel β-sheets?
What is the difference between parallel and antiparallel β-sheets?
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β-bends reverse the direction of a polypeptide chain.
β-bends reverse the direction of a polypeptide chain.
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What stabilizes β-bends?
What stabilizes β-bends?
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What is the role of molecular chaperones in protein folding?
What is the role of molecular chaperones in protein folding?
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What term refers to proteins that perform the same function but have different primary structures?
What term refers to proteins that perform the same function but have different primary structures?
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What is the dominant component of the amyloid plaque in Alzheimer disease?
What is the dominant component of the amyloid plaque in Alzheimer disease?
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What happens to proteins once they are denatured?
What happens to proteins once they are denatured?
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What is the significance of the sigmoidal oxygen-dissociation curve of hemoglobin?
What is the significance of the sigmoidal oxygen-dissociation curve of hemoglobin?
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What effect does lowering pH have on the oxygen affinity of hemoglobin?
What effect does lowering pH have on the oxygen affinity of hemoglobin?
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What is 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate (2,3-BPG) and what role does it play in hemoglobin function?
What is 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate (2,3-BPG) and what role does it play in hemoglobin function?
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The affinity of hemoglobin for carbon monoxide (CO) is less than its affinity for oxygen.
The affinity of hemoglobin for carbon monoxide (CO) is less than its affinity for oxygen.
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What are the two types of hemoglobin found in adults?
What are the two types of hemoglobin found in adults?
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What is the composition of fetal hemoglobin (HbF)?
What is the composition of fetal hemoglobin (HbF)?
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What causes sickle cell anemia?
What causes sickle cell anemia?
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The process that refers to the nonenzymic addition of a sugar to hemoglobin is called ___
The process that refers to the nonenzymic addition of a sugar to hemoglobin is called ___
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What molecule stabilizes the deoxy form of hemoglobin and decreases its affinity for oxygen?
What molecule stabilizes the deoxy form of hemoglobin and decreases its affinity for oxygen?
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Which one of the following statements concerning protein structure is correct?
Which one of the following statements concerning protein structure is correct?
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A particular point mutation results in disruption of the α-helical structure in a segment of the mutant protein. The most likely change in the primary structure of the mutant protein is:
A particular point mutation results in disruption of the α-helical structure in a segment of the mutant protein. The most likely change in the primary structure of the mutant protein is:
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In comparing the α-helix to the β-sheet, which statement is correct only for the β-sheet?
In comparing the α-helix to the β-sheet, which statement is correct only for the β-sheet?
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Which one of the following best describes Alzheimer disease?
Which one of the following best describes Alzheimer disease?
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What are hemeproteins?
What are hemeproteins?
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What is the role of the heme group in hemoglobin?
What is the role of the heme group in hemoglobin?
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What type of structure does myoglobin primarily consist of?
What type of structure does myoglobin primarily consist of?
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What is unique about the oxygen-binding properties of hemoglobin compared to myoglobin?
What is unique about the oxygen-binding properties of hemoglobin compared to myoglobin?
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The deoxy form of hemoglobin is called the _____ form.
The deoxy form of hemoglobin is called the _____ form.
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The _____ group of the myoglobin molecule sits in a crevice lined with nonpolar amino acids.
The _____ group of the myoglobin molecule sits in a crevice lined with nonpolar amino acids.
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What is the designation of the mutant β-globin chain in sickle cell anemia?
What is the designation of the mutant β-globin chain in sickle cell anemia?
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What symptoms typically characterize sickle cell anemia?
What symptoms typically characterize sickle cell anemia?
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Heterozygotes for the sickle cell gene usually show clinical symptoms.
Heterozygotes for the sickle cell gene usually show clinical symptoms.
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What causes the altered mobility of HbS during electrophoresis?
What causes the altered mobility of HbS during electrophoresis?
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What happens to red blood cells (RBC) in sickle cell anemia at low oxygen tension?
What happens to red blood cells (RBC) in sickle cell anemia at low oxygen tension?
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Which of the following variables can increase sickling in sickle cell anemia?
Which of the following variables can increase sickling in sickle cell anemia?
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What therapy increases circulating levels of HbF in sickle cell anemia patients?
What therapy increases circulating levels of HbF in sickle cell anemia patients?
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HbC disease is similar to HbS but with more severe symptoms.
HbC disease is similar to HbS but with more severe symptoms.
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What is the primary cause of methemoglobinemia?
What is the primary cause of methemoglobinemia?
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What can lead to the accumulation of methemoglobin (HbM)?
What can lead to the accumulation of methemoglobin (HbM)?
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Match the hemoglobin variant with its corresponding mutation:
Match the hemoglobin variant with its corresponding mutation:
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Study Notes
Overview of Proteins
- Proteins are vital macromolecules involved in various life processes.
- Functions include catalyzing metabolic reactions (enzymes), regulating metabolism (hormones), facilitating movement (contractile proteins), and supporting structural frameworks (collagen).
- Hemoglobin and plasma albumin in blood transport essential molecules, while immunoglobulins combat infections.
Amino Acids
- More than 300 amino acids exist, but only 20 are encoded by DNA and found in mammalian proteins.
- Each amino acid comprises a carboxyl group, an amino group (primary or secondary), and a unique side chain (R group).
- At physiological pH (approximately 7.4), carboxyl groups dissociate to form negatively charged carboxylate ions, and amino groups are protonated as ammonium ions.
Classification of Amino Acids
- Amino acids can be categorized by their side chains: nonpolar, polar uncharged, acidic, and basic.
Nonpolar Amino Acids
- Nonpolar side chains promote hydrophobic interactions.
- Tend to cluster in the interior of proteins in aqueous environments, aiding structural stability.
Uncharged Polar Amino Acids
- Contain hydroxyl or amide groups that can form hydrogen bonds.
- Cysteine can form disulfide bonds, important for protein structure.
- Polar side chains serve as attachment sites for additional compounds, such as phosphate groups.
Acidic Amino Acids
- Aspartic acid and glutamic acid donate protons and are negatively charged at physiological pH.
Basic Amino Acids
- Lysine and arginine accept protons, becoming positively charged.
- Histidine can be protonated or neutral, playing a significant role in buffering.
Optical Properties
- The α-carbon of amino acids is asymmetrical, yielding two stereoisomer forms: D and L.
- All amino acids in proteins are of the L configuration, while D-amino acids are found in some antibiotics.
Acidic and Basic Properties
- Amino acids act as buffers due to their ionizable groups: carboxyl (weak acid) and amino (weak base).
- The Henderson-Hasselbalch equation relates pH to the concentration of weak acids and their conjugate bases.
Titration and Buffering
- Titration curves illustrate the dissociation of carboxyl and amino groups of amino acids.
- Maximum buffering capacity occurs at pH equal to the pKa of the weak acid.
- The isoelectric point (pI) is the pH at which an amino acid is electrically neutral, important in protein separation techniques.
Importance of pH in Drug Absorption
- The pH at absorption sites influences the ionic forms of drugs, affecting permeability across membranes.
- Weak acids or bases have uncharged and charged forms; uncharged forms permeate membranes more readily.
Application of the Henderson-Hasselbalch Equation
- Useful in predicting pH changes in physiological systems, drug absorption, and ionic forms of drugs in varying pH environments.### Concept Maps in Biochemistry
- Concept maps are graphical tools designed to illustrate the relationships between ideas in biochemistry.
- They arrange information hierarchically, with general concepts at the top and specific concepts below.
- Concept boxes represent various biochemical concepts such as free energy and oxidative phosphorylation, aiding students in organizing and assimilating new information.
- Cross-links within concept maps allow visualization of complex relationships, promoting the integration of biochemistry concepts relevant for clinical applications and exams like the USMLE.
Amino Acid Structure
- Each amino acid consists of an α-carboxyl group, a primary α-amino group (except proline, which has a secondary amino group), and a distinctive side chain (R group).
- At physiological pH, the α-carboxyl group is dissociated, while the α-amino group is protonated.
- Amino acids can be classified as nonpolar, uncharged polar, acidic (polar negative), or basic (polar positive), with their functions determined by their side chains.
- All amino acids, including those in peptide chains, can act as buffers.
Henderson-Hasselbalch Equation
- The equation describes the relationship between pH and the concentrations of a weak acid and its conjugate base.
- Buffering capacity is maximal at pH = pKa, where the concentrations of the acid and its conjugate base are equal.
Peptide Bonds and Protein Structure
- Proteins are formed by amino acids linked through peptide bonds, which are resistant to denaturation, requiring extreme conditions to break.
- Peptides have an N-terminal (free amino end) and a C-terminal (free carboxyl end), with sequences read from N- to C-terminal.
- The peptide bond is characterized by partial double-bond character, promoting rigidity and preventing free rotation.
Primary Structure and Disease Relevance
- The primary structure of proteins refers to the linear sequence of amino acids, crucial for understanding genetic diseases linked to abnormal sequences.
- Peptide bonds are cleaved under acidic conditions to identify and quantitate constituent amino acids, which can be analyzed through cation-exchange chromatography.
Secondary Structure of Proteins
- Secondary structure refers to the regular arrangements of amino acids forming structures like α-helices and β-sheets.
- α-helix is a coiled structure stabilized by hydrogen bonds between peptide-bond carbonyl oxygens and amide hydrogens, containing 3.6 amino acids per turn.
- β-sheets consist of two or more extended segments of polypeptide chains, exhibiting hydrogen bonding perpendicular to the backbone.
Disruption of Secondary Structures
- Proline disrupts α-helical formation due to its unique structure, and charged amino acids can cause repulsion, preventing smooth helical structures.
- β-bends reverse the direction of polypeptide chains, aiding in forming compact protein shapes and are commonly found on protein surfaces.
Key Takeaways
- Concept maps are essential for visualizing and integrating biochemistry knowledge.
- Understanding amino acid properties and their roles as buffers is crucial for grasping protein functionality.
- The structure of proteins hinges on peptide bonds, with significant implications for health and disease.
- Secondary structures like α-helices and β-sheets are integral to proteins' three-dimensional shapes and functionalities.### β-Bends and Secondary Structures
- β-Bends typically connect strands of antiparallel β-sheets and consist of four amino acids, often including proline and glycine, which help introduce kinks in the polypeptide chain.
- Stabilization of β-bends occurs through hydrogen bonds and ionic interactions.
- Approximately half of globular proteins are composed of repetitive structures (α-helices and β-sheets) while the other half features loops or coils, which are ordered but less regular.
Supersecondary Structures (Motifs)
- Supersecondary structures, or motifs, combine α-helices, β-sheets, and coils to form specific patterns in the protein's core.
- Motifs play a crucial role in the protein's function and can be linked to DNA binding activities, like the helix-loop-helix motif in transcription factors.
Tertiary Structure of Globular Proteins
- Tertiary structure refers to the overall 3D arrangement of protein domains, influenced by the primary structure (amino acid sequence).
- The compact structure of globular proteins in aqueous solutions features hydrophobic side chains buried internally while hydrophilic groups reside on the surface.
Domains
- Domains are functional units within polypeptides and are crucial for structure, often containing supersecondary structural elements.
- Longer polypeptide chains (over 200 amino acids) typically contain multiple domains that fold independently.
Interactions Stabilizing Tertiary Structure
- Disulfide bonds form between cysteine residues to stabilize protein structure and prevent denaturation in extracellular environments.
- Hydrophobic interactions: Nonpolar amino acids cluster in the interior, while polar/charged residues appear on the surface.
- Hydrogen bonds enhance solubility by forming between polar side chains and the aqueous environment.
- Ionic interactions involve attraction between negatively charged and positively charged side chains.
Protein Folding
- Folding occurs via ordered pathways within the cell, driven by hydrophobic effects.
- As proteins fold, secondary structures form first, followed by tertiary structures, leading to a stable, functional conformation known as the native state.
Denaturation of Proteins
- Denaturation disrupts secondary and tertiary structures without breaking peptide bonds, caused by heat, solvents, acids, bases, and metals.
- Denaturation can be reversible or irreversible, impacting protein solubility and leading to aggregation.
Role of Chaperones in Protein Folding
- Molecular chaperones are essential for the proper folding of many proteins, preventing premature folding and misfolding during synthesis.
- Chaperonins, a class of chaperones, form cage-like structures that facilitate correct folding in a protected environment.
Quaternary Structure of Proteins
- Quaternary structure involves the assembly of multiple polypeptide chains, stabilized by noncovalent interactions.
- Isoforms perform identical functions but have different primary structures, while isozymes are enzyme-specific isoforms.
Protein Misfolding
- Misfolded proteins can lead to aggregation, associated with various diseases and may result from spontaneous mutation or abnormal processing.
- Amyloid diseases involve the accumulation of misfolded proteins, with amyloid β (Aβ) implicated in Alzheimer’s disease as a neurotoxic aggregate.
Prion Diseases
- Prion diseases are caused by conformational changes in prion proteins (PrP), leading to transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) like Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, without detectable nucleic acids.
- Normal PrPC can convert to the infectious PrPSc form through changes in conformation, characterized by an increase in β-sheets.
Summary of Key Concepts
- Native conformation denotes the functional state of proteins, determined by amino acid sequences and interactions.
- Protein structure coherence is maintained through secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures, essential for the protein's biological function.
- Correct folding depends on chaperones, while dysfunctions in folding lead to denaturation and potential diseases, emphasizing the importance of proper protein structure in health.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the structure and function of proteins in biological systems. This quiz covers the importance of amino acids and the diverse roles proteins play in life processes, including enzymes, hormones, and muscle movement.