BCHM 102 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Protein Structure, Collagen, Steric Effects
2 Dec 2016
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Document Summary
Proteins are the most abundant and diverse molecules found in nature: work-horses of the cell. Functions of proteins: enzymes and hormones regulate metabolism, muscle proteins permit movement. In bone the protein collagen provides a "mesh" for calcium phosphate deposition: hemoglobin and albumin shuttle molecules in the blood, antibodies fight infection bacteria and viruses. Proteins are linear combinations of the 20 amino acids joined by peptide bonds. Beads on a chain: beads -- amino acids, chain -- peptide bonds (link, backbone. Linear sequence of amino acids determines the proteins final unique fold and characteristic shape. Function of protein is dependent on the 3-d fold. Primary structure -- linear sequence of amino acids. Free amino end (n-terminal of protein is written on the left and free carbonyl end (c-terminal) to the right. Primary structure is important because many genetic disorders result in protein with altered of mutated amino acid sequences: knowledge allows for clinical study, diagnosis and care of patients.
