Macromolecules formed from amino acids adopt well-defined, three-dimensional structures with chemical properties that are responsible for their participation in virtually every process occurring within and between cells. The three-dimensional structure of proteins is a direct consequence of the nature of the covalently-bonded sequence of amino acids, their chemical and physical properties, and the way in which the whole assembly interacts with water.
Enzymes are proteins that interact in highly regio- and stereo-specific ways with dissolved solutes. They either facilitate the chemical transformation of these solutes or allow for their transport innocuously. Dissolved solutes compete for protein-binding sites, and protein conformational dynamics give rise to mechanisms capable of controlling enzymatic activity.
The infinite variability of potential amino acid sequences allows for adaptable responses to pathogenic organisms and materials. The rigidity of some amino acid sequences makes them suitable for structural roles in complex living systems.
Content in this category covers a range of protein behaviors which originate from the unique chemistry of amino acids themselves. Amino acid classifications and protein structural elements are covered. Special emphasis is placed on enzyme catalysis including mechanistic considerations, kinetics, models of enzyme-substrate interaction, and regulation.
| Topic | Biochemistry | Biochemistry: A Short Course | Biology, 2e | Fundamentals of Biochemistry | Human Physiology | Karp’s Cell and Molecular Biology | Organic Chemistry With a Biological Emphasis, Vol. 1 | Organic Chemistry With a Biological Emphasis, Vol. 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Amino Acids (BC, OC) Description
|
|
|
NA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Protein Structure (BIO, BC, OC) Structure
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NA | |
Non-Enzymatic Protein Function (BIO, BC)
|
|
|
|
|
|
NA | NA | |
Enzyme Structure and Function (BIO, BC)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NA | |
Control of Enzyme Activity (BIO, BC)*
|
|
|
|
|
|
NA | NA |