Proteins

Front

What are proteins?

Back

Proteins are large, complex molecules made up of long chains of amino acids. They play critical roles in the body, including building tissues, acting as enzymes, and supporting immune function.

Front

What is the basic building block of proteins?

Back

The basic building block of proteins is amino acids.

Front

What is a polypeptide chain?

Back

A polypeptide chain is a sequence of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds, which folds into a specific three-dimensional shape to form a protein.

Front

What happens if a protein's shape is altered?

Back

If a protein's shape is altered, it may not function properly, as its shape is crucial for its specific function.

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 shape), and quaternary (multiple polypeptide chains).

Front

What role do enzymes play in biological processes?

Back

Enzymes are proteins that act as catalysts to speed up chemical reactions in the body without being consumed in the process.

Front

What is denaturation in proteins?

Back

Denaturation is the process where proteins lose their natural structure due to external factors like heat, pH changes, or chemicals, leading to loss of function.

Front

What is the difference between essential and non-essential amino acids?

Back

Essential amino acids cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained from the diet, while non-essential amino acids can be made by the body.

Front

What is the significance of the carboxyl group in amino acids?

Back

The carboxyl group (-COOH) is a functional group in amino acids that contributes to their acidic properties and is involved in peptide bond formation.

Front

How do proteins differ from carbohydrates and lipids?

Back

Proteins are made of amino acids, while carbohydrates are made of sugars and lipids are made of fatty acids. Proteins perform a wide range of functions, whereas carbohydrates primarily provide energy and lipids store energy.