Protein Structure Chapter 14
Protein Macromolecule Proteins are polymers of amino acids (monomer) Wide array of functions: hair, horn, skin, muscles, enzymes
Monomer: Amino Acid Central carbon with an amino group, carboxyl group, hydrogen, and ‘R’ side chain Same basic monomer, but differs at functional (R) side chain 20 different amino acids
The R-side chain R-side chain gives each amino acid its distinct properties EX. Acidic, Basic, Polar, Nonpolar The R groups will determine the shape and characteristic of the protein
Protein Structure Folding is crucial to the function of a protein and is influenced largely by the sequence of amino acids The structure of a protein can be divided into several levels: Primary (1o) structure Secondary (2o) structure Tertiary (3o) structure Quaternary (4o) structure
Primary (1o) structure
Sequence and order of amino acid Each amino acid is linked together by peptide (covalent) bonds
Secondary (2o) structure
Folding and twisting of the chain to form two structures 1) Alpha helix 2) Beta pleated sheets These secondary structures are stabilized by hydrogen bonds between the amino acids
Tertiary (3o) structure
Three dimensional shape and folding of the polypeptide chain Usually globular or spherical Stabilized by different types of interactions and bonds EX. Ionic, non polar, hydrogen, etc
Quaternary (4o) structure
Held together by the same types of bonds and interactions in the tertiary level BUT several tertiary structures interact together EX: Hemoglobin, the protein in blood that carries oxygen, has four different subunits for its 4o structure
Protein Structure Review Primary (1o) structure: sequence and order of amino acids bonded together by peptide bonds Determines three-dimensional shape (2° and 3° structures) Secondary (2o) structure: Alpha helix and beta sheets formed from hydrogen bonds Tertiary (3o) structure: Bonds and interactions of R groups creating 3D structure 3o determines protein’s function Quaternary (4o) structure: Multiple tertiary protein subunits bonded together