Proteins, Enzymes and Nucleic Acids

Front

What is the role of enzymes in biochemical reactions?

Back

Enzymes act as catalysts that lower the activation energy required for reactions to occur, thereby increasing the rate of the reaction.

Front

What is activation energy?

Back

Activation energy is the minimum energy required for a chemical reaction to occur.

Front

What type of bond is formed between the sulfur atoms of cysteine residues in proteins?

Back

Disulfide bonds (bridges) are formed between the sulfur atoms of cysteine residues, helping to stabilize the tertiary structure of proteins.

Front

What happens to a protein when it is denatured?

Back

When a protein is denatured, it loses its three-dimensional structure and, consequently, its functional properties.

Front

What are the four levels of protein structure?

Back

The four levels of protein structure are primary (amino acid sequence), secondary (alpha helices and beta sheets), tertiary (3D folding), and quaternary (multiple polypeptide chains).

Front

What is the basic building block of proteins?

Back

The basic building block of proteins is the amino acid.

Front

What is a nucleic acid?

Back

Nucleic acids are macromolecules, such as DNA and RNA, that store and transmit genetic information.

Front

How many different polypeptides can be formed from 20 common amino acids, each made of 13 amino acids?

Back

20^13 different polypeptides can be formed from 20 common amino acids, each made of 13 amino acids.

Front

What is the significance of the tertiary structure of a protein?

Back

The tertiary structure determines the protein's overall shape and function, influencing its interactions with other molecules.

Front

What is the difference between DNA and RNA?

Back

DNA is double-stranded and contains the sugar deoxyribose, while RNA is single-stranded and contains the sugar ribose.