Insulin and Intro. to Proteins

Front

What are amino acids?

Back

Amino acids are organic compounds that serve as the building blocks of proteins. They contain an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a unique side chain.

Front

What is a polypeptide?

Back

A polypeptide is a chain of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds. It can fold into a functional protein.

Front

What is a peptide bond?

Back

A peptide bond is a covalent bond that links amino acids together in a protein, formed between the carboxyl group of one amino acid and the amino group of another.

Front

What role does pepsin play in digestion?

Back

Pepsin is an enzyme in the stomach that breaks down proteins into smaller peptides by cleaving peptide bonds.

Front

What are the two main types of cells in the pancreas related to insulin production?

Back

The two main types of cells are alpha cells, which produce glucagon, and beta cells, which produce insulin.

Front

What is insulin?

Back

Insulin is a hormone produced by the beta cells of the pancreas that regulates blood glucose levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells.

Front

What happens in Type 1 Diabetes?

Back

In Type 1 Diabetes, the immune system attacks and destroys the beta cells in the pancreas, leading to insufficient insulin production.

Front

What is the function of glucagon?

Back

Glucagon is a hormone produced by alpha cells that raises blood glucose levels by promoting the conversion of glycogen to glucose in the liver.

Front

What are essential amino acids?

Back

Essential amino acids are amino acids that cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained through diet.

Front

What is the primary structure of a protein?

Back

The primary structure of a protein is the linear sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain.