Proteins

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

1. describe the general structure of an amino acid and be able to identify and draw the structural formula of a typical amino acid.
2. explain the how the  functional groups found in proteins affect their function.
3. describe the formation of peptide bonds (linkages) in forming polypeptides and be able to recognize them in a structural formula.
4. describe the biophysical properties of the peptide linkage, what causes them and how they contribute to protein secondary structure.​
5. describe the structure of protein in terms of primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary structure and the role of disulphide linkages, hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions in forming and maintaining these structures.
6. recognize, and be able to account for, the phenomenon of protein denaturation, with particular reference to the effects of pH, temperature and salinity.
7. be able to analyze the 3-dimensional structure of carbohydrates (mono-, di- and polysaccharides) and lipids using a computer program/web using an application such as Chime, Ras-mol, etc

Proteins comprise more than 50% of a cell's dry weight and perform many functions in the body including regulation.  It is the structure of proteins that our DNA codes for.  Proteins, in turn, mediate the cell's, therefore the organism's, activities.