Protein Basics

Made of C,H,O, N SPONCH

Monomers = amino acids
- 20 different types of amino acids used to make
proteins
Proteins are the polymer also called a polypeptide
Meet the monomer –Amino acid
3 main parts
- Amino group NH2
- Carboxyl group COOH
- R group (side chain)
each of the 20 types
of amino acids have
a unique R group
Proteins form from chains of amino acids
Proteins vary in length – can be 1,000s of amino acids long

Protein
Proteins Shape
A protein’s shape is determined by the order that
amino acids are joined in
The shape of a protein determines its function

Hemoglobin antibody enzymes polymerase

Protein Structure
Four Levels of Structure allow for any shape

2-28
Protein Structure – Primary Structure
Primary structure is the order of the amino acids that make up a
protein.
- the interactions of the R groups on each amino acid
cause the molecule to bend and fold – different arrangements
create different shapes
- as a result- the order of
amino acids determines
the shape of the protein
- shape determines function
- changing a single amino acid can change a protein’s
shape.
Protein Structure- Secondary Structure
The folding proteins often assume one of two general
shapes
– pleated sheets or an alpha helix these are the
protein’s secondary structure.
- hydrogen bonds between amino acids stabilize the
secondary structure Alpha Helix
Protein Structure – Tertiary Structure
The coiled or pleated structures continue to fold until
they form a complex three dimensional structure.
- most proteins are completed at this stage and are fully
functioning proteins.

Remember: Shape determines function

Protein Shape-Quaternary Structure
Some more complex proteins are assembled from two
or more protein molecules.
- Insulin – 2 forms – 2 proteins or 6 proteins
- Hemoglobin – 4 proteins
Protein Functions
Proteins are the Worker Molecules of Living Things
Enzymes - proteins that allow chemical reactions to
occur in living things
Antibodies – proteins that protect the body from
infection
Structure – cytoskeleton, hair, nails, muscles, spider
web, silk, feathers ,horns, hooves etc….
Hormones – chemical messengers
Cell membrane – proteins can act as channels through
the cell membrane
- receptor proteins found on membrane
transmit signals to the inside of cells
Hemoglobin – protein found in blood that carries oxygen
Proteins can be Denatured
Denatured proteins are proteins that lose their shape
- if they lose their shape, they also lose their …
Function
- What can cause a protein to become denatured?
Exposure to: A Strong Acid
A Strong Base
Heat
An organic solvent: Alcohol or Acetone
- Denatured proteins can lose quaternary, tertiary and
secondary structure
- Primary Structure is left untouched
Denatured Proteins
Vocabulary for the Protein Pro
Polypeptide Cell Membrane Proteins
R – Group Hormones
Peptide Bond Denatured Protein
Primary Structure 4 things that denature
Secondary Structure proteins
Tertiary Structure
Quaternary Structure
Enzymes
Antibodies