Nucleic Acids
Macromolecules that encode and transport genetic information.
Structure
- All nucleic acids contain Carbon.
- Nucleotide
- A nucleic acid monomer
- Made of a phosphate, a sugar, and a base (one of A, T, C, or G). The base is the only part that changes.
Central-Dogma Theory
DNA makes RNA makes Proteins.
Genes
Segment of nucleic acids that makes proteins.
Hemoglobin gene > Hemoglobin RNA > Hemoglobin protein
DNA
Double helix - two base pairs align with each other.
DNA Pairing Rules
| DNA | A | T | G | C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DNA | T | A | C | G |
RNA
Single strand - one base pair.
RNA Pairing Rules
Copies one half of the stand of the opened DNA pair. Each DNA gene can make two different types of proteins?
| DNA | A | T | G | C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RNA | U | A | C | G |
Proteins
Essential biomolecules for cellular structure and function.
Peptides and Polypeptides
Both are proteins.
- Peptide
- Short amino acid chains
- Polypeptide
- Long amino acid chains
- Has more than 20 amino acids
Structure
- All proteins contain Carbon.
Proteins are made up of different amino acids. Amino acids are combined based on your genes.
Primary -> Secondary -> Tertiary -> Quaternary
- Primary 1° Structure
- What amino acids make up the protein.
- This determines how it the later bonds form.
- Secondary 2° Structure
- How amino acids bond and interact. (α-helix, β-pleated sheet).
- Tertiary 3° Structure
- Bonds and the attractions between beta sheets and alpha helix.
- How the bigger structures interact.
- Quaternary 4° Structure
- Multi-unit proteins formed by more than 1 polypeptide chain.
Amino Acids
20 different types. Each has the same structure with a slight variation—each has a different R-group.
Types of R-groups
- Polar
- Nonpolar
- Positively charged
- Negatively charged
When mRNA is Messed Up
- Incorrect amino acid sequences.
- Leads to protein structure disruptions and loss of function.
Function
- Structure
- Protection
- Regulation
- Movement
- Transport
A protein's function = The amino acid sequence + Protein folding (amino acids create a specific 3D shape).
Diseases
Often caused by proteins not functioning properly.
Denaturation
Protein structure is disrupted by extreme environments/pH. Causes proteins to unfold and become non-functioning. Shape irreversibly changes. Bonds break.
Cells
Muscle tissue is a combo between lipids to form new cellular membranes and proteins to perform the cellular functions.