Amino Acid Structure
Each amino acid contains a central carbon atom bonded to an amino group, a carboxyl group, a hydrogen atom, and this unique group that determines its identity.
What is the R-Group?
The structure in which a polypeptide chain twists on itself in a highly regular manner.
What is an Alpha Helix?
These amino acids cannot be synthesized by the human body and must be obtained through the diet.
What are essential amino acids?
When amino acids are used for energy, this process removes the nitrogen group, forming ammonia as a byproduct.
What is deamination?
If a baby is suspected of having PKU due to high phenylalanine levels, another possible cause is a deficiency of this amino acid, which is normally made from phenylalanine.
What is tyrosine deficiency?
The structure of an amino acid contains a side chain, an amino group, a hydrogen atom and 2 other components.
What is a Carboxyl Group and a central carbon (alpha) atom?
This is the sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain.
What is the primary structure of a protein?
Leucine, valine, and isoleucine are all essential amino acids that fall into this subcategory, known for their branched chemical structure.
What are branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)?
This type of protein, made from amino acids, speeds up chemical reactions in the body without being consumed.
What is an enzyme?
This metabolic cycle, also called the Krebs cycle, receives carbon skeletons from amino acids after they’ve been deaminated.
What is the citric acid cycle?
The type of bond that holds a polymer together.
What are Peptide Bonds?
A protein composed of two polypeptide chains, known as a dimer, exhibits this level of protein structure.
What is the quarternary structure?
Although classified as non-essential, this amino acid becomes conditionally essential during periods of stress or illness, especially in infants.
What is arginine?
The amino acid tryptophan is important for producing this neurotransmitter that affects mood and sleep.
What is serotonin?
This hormone, made of amino acids, helps regulate blood sugar by promoting the uptake of glucose into cells.
What is insulin?
What is a condensation reaction?
This level of protein structure involves the overall 3D folding of a single polypeptide chain, stabilized by interactions like hydrogen bonds, disulfide bridges, and hydrophobic effects.
What is tertiary structure?
People with PKU must avoid high-protein foods because they cannot properly metabolize this essential amino acid.
What is phenylalanine?
The body uses amino acids like leucine and isoleucine to support this process, which is essential for athletic recovery and muscle maintenance.
What is muscle protein synthesis?
This non-essential amino acid plays a key role in nitrogen transport and can be converted into glucose during gluconeogenesis.
What is Alanine?
The start and end of a polypeptide chain.
What is the N-Terminus and C-Terminus?
This type of secondary protein structure consists of polypeptide chains arranged side-by-side, stabilized by hydrogen bonds, and often forms a pleated sheet shape.
What is a Beta Sheet?
In individuals with PKU, phenylalanine cannot be converted into this non-essential amino acid, which can lead to deficiencies.
What is tyrosine?
Amino acids contribute to immune defense by forming these Y-shaped proteins that identify and neutralize pathogens.
What are antibodies?
This rare disorder affects the metabolism of the amino acid tyrosine and can cause symptoms similar to PKU, including developmental delays and elevated phenylalanine levels.
What is tyrosinemia?