AQA A-Level Biology - Proteins

AQA A-Level Biology - Proteins

1. Amino Acid - A monomer that will join with other amino acids to form a protein



2. Dipeptide - Two amino acids bonded together via a peptide bond



3. Polypeptide - Many amino acids bonded together via peptide bonds



4. Protein - A combination of polypeptides



5. Amine Group - -NH2, a basic group where the amino part of amino acid comes from



6. Carboxyl Group - -COOH, an acidic group where the acid part of amino acid comes from



7. R Group - A side group that can be comprised of different chemical groups



8. Condensation Reaction - The reaction that allows the formation of a peptide bond



9. Process of a Condensation Reaction - A H+ is removed from the amine group, and the OH- is
removed from the carboxyl group on the other amino acid. This forms water and a dipeptide.



10. Primary Structure - The linear amino acid sequence of the polypeptide chain



11. Secondary Structure - The arrangement of the primary structure when considering hydrogen
bonds. This forms either an alpha helix or a beta pleated sheet



12. Alpha Helix - A helix shape that can be formed when considering a polypeptide's secondary
structure