1. Amino Acids and Proteins B.2

3. Properties of 2-amino acids (B.2.2) Zwitterion (dipolar) – amino acids contain both acidic and basic groups in the same molecule therefore, are amphoteric in nature (capable of behaving as acids or bases) – amines can accept a proton – carboxylic acids can donate a proton

5. Buffers – buffer solution the pH of the solution is "resistant" to small additions of either a strong acid or strong base used as a means of keeping pH at a nearly constant value – the amphoteric nature of amino acids makes it possible for them to act as buffers in aqueous solutions when a strong acid, H +, is added to an amino acid, the zwitterion accepts the proton, thus minimizing the effect of the acid added if a strong base OH - is added, the zwitterion donates H + to neutralize the base to form water

6. Isoelectric point – the isoelectric point is the pH value at which the negative and positive charges are equal this is unique for each a.a. at a certain pH – used to separate proteins in electrophoresis

7. Condensation Reactions (B.2.3) amino acids will link together to form proteins enzymes are necessary! the link is between carboxyl group on one a.a. and the amino group on the other water is formed and remaining N and C link together with a peptide bond peptide bonds YouTube (1:14)

12. Primary Structure determined by the number, kind, and order of a.a. in the polypeptide. held together by simple peptide bonds. Proteins have a complex structure which can be explained by defining four levels of structure (B.2.4)

14. Secondary Structure Two types of spontaneously, regular, repeating structures as the polypeptide is made 1.alpha helix – a coil or zigzag shape that results from the hydrogen bonds along the strand

15. 2.beta pleated sheets – back and forth folding of polypeptides because of hydrogen bonds between adjacent polypeptides or in the same strand

16. Tertiary Structure highly specific looping and folding of the polypeptide because of the following interactions between their R-groups: –covalent bonding-- disulfide bridges formed when two cysteine molecules combine due to sulfur in their R groups –hydrogen bonding-- between polar groups on the side chain –ionic attractions-- formed between polar side groups –van der Waal’s attractions-- between non-polar side groups this tertiary level is the final level of organization for proteins containing only a single polypeptide chain

18. Quaternary Structure linkage of two or more polypeptides to form a single protein in precise ratios and with a precise 3-D configuration. some proteins have a prosthetic group (a non-peptide) – these proteins are called conjugated proteins ex. hemoglobin John Kyrk folding Protein folding

19. Quaternary Structure example

21. Protein Functions (B.2.6) Structure – fibrous proteins provide structure and strength ( muscle, cartilage, skin, bones, hair) Transport – hemoglobin in the red blood cells is vital in carrying oxygen Hormones – have a regulatory effect on specific cells/organs in the body Immunoproteins – play a key role in the fight against infection (antibodies) Energy Storage – play an important role in the human body as energy storage Enzymes – catalyze biochemical reactions (1000’s) within the body

22. Analysis of Proteins (B.2.5) there are various analytical techniques that can be used to identify proteins and amino acids main two are: 1.paper chromatography 2.electrophoresis

23. Paper Chromatography break peptide bonds in the protein and obtain constituent a.a. – (use 6 M HCl, 110°C) place sample spot on paper and set paper in solvent amino acids separate based on polarity calculate R f value and compare to amino acids with know values

25. Electrophoresis this technique separates charged molecules based on their ability to migrate when an electric field is applied to the system sample is placed in a gel and electricity applied different a.a. will move at different rates towards a (+) or (-) electrode will stop at different distances – this is its isoelectric point where a particular a.a. will not move as its charges are balanced – distances can then be compared with known values for identification