Proteins

The best way to predict the future is to create it. -Peter Drucker

An Artist’s view of the cell” David Goodshells

Why Proteins vs. the Other Molecules?

• Useful clinically

• Molecular Machinery

Amazing Proteins: Function

• Catalysts (Enzymes)

• Transport and Storage

• Structural

• Generate Movement

• Regulation of Metabolism and Gene Expression

• Protection

• Signaling and Response (inter and intrcellular)

Properties

• Biopolymers of amino acids

• Contains a wide range of functional groups

• Can interact with other proteins or other biological macromolecules to form complex assemblies

• Some are rigid while others display limited flexibility.

Amino Acids: Protein Building Blocks

Synthesis of Proteins

• Different creatures=different Sequences

• N- terminal and C-terminal end

• Zwittertonic

Stereochemistry of Amino Acids

• Wrong handedness= body cannot metabolize

o Thalidomide (switches the handedness)

▪ Do not take if pregnant

o Ex. D-Glucose

Types of Amino Acids

• Aliphatic Side chains

• Cyclic

• OH Side Chains

• Sulfur-containing

o Cysteine-molecular staples, makes glutathione work

o Glutathione is an antioxidant. Helps prevent oxidative phosphorylation

▪ Naturally-made by the body.

▪ Excess: whitening-effect

• Acidic and Acid Derivatives

• Basic Side Chains

Isoelectric Point

• (+)=(-)

• Useful analytically

• For protein analysis, purification, isolation, crystallization

• Lower pH= more (+)

• Higher pH= more (-)

• Acid-base level is important because the shape of the proteins change.

o Different shape=cannot do what they are supposed to do

▪ Get Sick or Die

← Before people wash their...