How many models are there to represent protein structure? What are they? There are 4
models:
1. Polypeptide backbone model = 1 degree structure
- No "R" groups
2. Ribbon model = 2 degree structure
3. Wired frame model = 3/4 degree structures
- With "R" groups
4. Space filling models = 3/4 structure
- Shows every atom
What is the primary structure of a protein? amino acid sequence coded in a gene
What are proteins made of? They are made of amino acids along with N,C, and R groups
How many amino acids are there? Where are they found? There are 20 amino acids and the
amino acids come in different isomers found in nature
What is the definition of chirality? The mirror image of a molecule that is NOT super
imposed on the original image
What are the two types of isomers? what type of isomers are the majority of the amino acids in
proteins? The two types of isomers are:
- D-isomer: "right handed"
- L- isomer: "left handed"
- most amino acids found in proteins are L - isomers
, How do amino acids bind to each other? Amino acids bind to each other via covalent bonds
but does not involve "R" groups
What is conformation? Polypeptide folding and stability
How do proteins conform? Conformation is done by using non-covalent bonds/forces
among amino acid side chains (R groups)
What are the four types of forces? Van der waals forces
Hydrogen bond
Electrostatic forces
Hydrogen clusters force
What is a van der Waals force? Electron attraction between any 2 atoms either polar or non-
polar (ionic but still have an attraction)
Where can hydrogen bonds be found? between H and O or H and N
What is electrostatic forces? Ionic between polar and fully charged atoms (Ionic; "+" or "--"
charge)
What is hydrogen clustering force? This force happens when hydrophoic surfaces of a
protein is pushed out of the polar H2O interface and is surrounded by and bonded within the
hydrophilic surface
What enzymes are hydrophobic? Lipids and fats
Why are polypeptides able to fold on their own? They are able to fold on their own because
of hydrogen bonding