Answer Key for Biology Review on Proteins

By: Shannon Skibicki

1. Define each term(s) or definition in the following table

Term / Definition
Proteins / * answer must include: polypeptides
* answer must include: amino acids / Molecules in which proteins are built from
Amino Group and Organic Acid Group / * answer must include: amino group and organic acid group are the primary groups of amino acids
* answer must include: R group / Side chain of an amino acid that varies from protein to protein leading to differences in chemical property
* answer must include: 20 / (#) number of amino acids in which proteins are built from

( /5)

(award 1 pt. for each correct term or definition/ (5 pts. awarded total)

2. Draw the formation of a dipeptide. Please label where water is removed, the reaction utilized, the peptide bond, and the central groups in an amino acid.

*answer must include correct labeling and drawing of where water is removed and becomes a product, the organic acid and amino group, the r group, the peptide bond, and arrows and indication of a condensation reaction. (/8)

3. List four categories of amino acids. (/4)

  • Answer must include: 1 pt. for each item (/4)
  • Acidic amino acids
  • Basic amino acids
  • Amino acids with hydrophobic properties
  • Amino acids with hydrophilic properties

4. Which of the following are components the secondary protein structure?

I. polypeptide chains

II. protein stabilization via hydrogen bonding

III. coiling to produce a helix or B sheets

IV. vesicles budding off the rough ER

a) I.

b) I., IV.

c) I., II. III.

d) IV.

(1 pt. each)

5. Distinguish between tertiary and quaternary proteins. (/3)

* Answer could include:

  • Tertiary protein is when the molecule unique to the protein is folded into a complex shape
  • Complex shape of the tertiary bond is maintained by the four types of bond at adjacent parts of the polypeptide chain:
  • Hydrogen bonds (between atoms)
  • Ionic bonds (electrostatic interaction between opposite charges)
  • Disulphide bonds (strong covalent bond formed by the oxidation of SH groups)
  • Van der Waals forces bonds – comes into play when atoms are very close
  • Lysozyme is an example of a protein with a tertiary structure
  • While the quaternary protein also takes on a complex shape, it has the following components which make it unique:
  • Two or more proteins are held together
  • Biologically active molecule
  • Hemoglobin is an example of quaternary structure (4 polypeptide chains held around non-protein haem group an atom of iron occurs)

6. Draw and label a diagram of the phospholipid bilayer indicating the non polar and polar amino acid residues.

*Answer should include phosphate head, hydrophilic and hydrophobic tails, clear labeling polarity of channel proteins, receptor proteins (proteins on the side of the membrane) to indicate the polar and non polar amino acid residues. (/8)

7. Identify the type of protein or the role of the protein with an example in the following table.

Protein / Role/ Example
Structural protein / Insoluble, often long coiled tertiary structures, that provide structural support, especially in bones and hair. /collagen
Enzymes / Biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions/ pepsin
Muscle/ movement proteins / Bring about muscle contractions by reaction with ATP, triggered by calcium ions. (myosin or actin)
Transport / Involved with transport and respiratory gasses/ hemoglobin
Defence against infectious disease proteins / Serve as antibodies secreted by b lymphocytes
Membrane proteins / Component of structure, also can serve as enzymes, pumps, and receptors. Major component of phospholipid bilayer.