Summary 5.4

Protein is a polymer that is constructed from a set of just 20 different monomers known as amino acids. Each amino acid monomer consists of a central carbon atom attached to four other atoms or molecules through covalent bonds. Polypeptide is a chain that creates proteins by linking amino acids. These chains are at least 100 amino acids in length. A protein in the simple form of amino acids are connected together can not use its functions. Denaturation is a proccess in which an unfavorable change in the quality of the environment that causes a protein to unravel and lose its normal shape.

Images:
http://www.bio.mtu.edu/campbell/bl4820/lectures/lec1/protein1.gif
(Scientific representation of a kind of protein molecule)
http://plantandsoil.unl.edu/croptechnology2005/UserFiles/Image/siteImages/AminoAcidLG.gif
(Representation of a kind of amino acid)
http://web.siumed.edu/~bbartholomew/images/chapter5/F05-14.jpg
(Representation of denaturation of DNA, a kind of protein)

Concept Check:
Give at least two example of proteins you can "see" in the world around you. What are their functions?
Two examples of proteins that you can "see" in the world around you is hair and muscles. Hair keeps one warm and makes one have a better sense of touch. Muscles help you move and they keep you alive in the case of the heart muscle.
Relate amino acids, polypeptides, and proteins.
Amino acids is a central carbon atom attached to four partners through covalent bonds, polypeptides are consisted of amino acids and proteins are a polymers also made of amino acids.
Explain how heat can destroy a protein.
It can destroy a protein by unravelling and losing its normal shapes, because it breaks some forces that bond two molecules or atoms together.
Which parts of an amino acid's structure are the same in all amino acids? Which part is unique?
Amino acid's carbon partners and the hydrogen atoms are the same in all amino acids. However,f the "side group" that attaches to the fourth bond of the central carbon is unique.