Table of contents

1. Matter and Measurements4h 31m
2. Atoms and the Periodic Table5h 23m
3. Ionic Compounds2h 18m
4. Molecular Compounds2h 18m
5. Classification & Balancing of Chemical Reactions3h 17m
6. Chemical Reactions & Quantities2h 27m
7. Energy, Rate and Equilibrium3h 46m
8. Gases, Liquids and Solids3h 25m
9. Solutions4h 10m
10. Acids and Bases3h 29m
11. Nuclear Chemistry56m
BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions47m
12. Introduction to Organic Chemistry1h 34m
13. Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds2h 12m
14. Compounds with Oxygen or Sulfur1h 6m
15. Aldehydes and Ketones1h 1m
16. Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives1h 11m
17. Amines39m
18. Amino Acids and Proteins1h 51m
19. Enzymes1h 37m
20. Carbohydrates1h 41m
21. The Generation of Biochemical Energy2h 8m
22. Carbohydrate Metabolism2h 22m
23. Lipids2h 26m
24. Lipid Metabolism1h 45m
25. Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism1h 37m
26. Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis2h 54m

18. Amino Acids and Proteins

Primary Protein Structure

GOB Chemistry

18. Amino Acids and Proteins

Primary Protein Structure

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Problem 67

Textbook Question

What is the sequence of atoms along the "backbone" of a protein?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand that the 'backbone' of a protein refers to the repeating sequence of atoms that form the main structural framework of the protein, excluding the side chains (R groups).

Recall that proteins are polymers made up of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds. Each amino acid consists of an amine group (-NH₂), a carboxyl group (-COOH), a hydrogen atom, and a variable side chain (R group) attached to a central carbon atom (the alpha carbon).

When amino acids link together to form a protein, the carboxyl group of one amino acid reacts with the amine group of another, forming a peptide bond and releasing a molecule of water (a condensation reaction).

The resulting backbone of the protein consists of a repeating sequence of atoms: -N-C-C-. Specifically, this sequence includes the nitrogen atom from the amine group, the alpha carbon atom, and the carbon atom from the carboxyl group of each amino acid.

This -N-C-C- sequence repeats throughout the length of the protein, forming the structural backbone, while the side chains (R groups) extend outward from the alpha carbon atoms, giving the protein its unique properties and functions.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Protein Structure

Proteins are complex molecules made up of amino acids, which are linked together in a specific sequence. The structure of a protein is crucial for its function, and it typically consists of four levels: primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary. The primary structure refers to the linear sequence of amino acids that form the protein's backbone.

Amino Acids

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, each containing an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a unique side chain. There are 20 standard amino acids, and their specific sequence determines the protein's structure and function. The backbone of a protein is formed by the peptide bonds between the amino acids, linking them in a chain.

Peptide Bonds

Peptide bonds are covalent bonds that link amino acids together in a protein. They form through a dehydration reaction, where the carboxyl group of one amino acid reacts with the amino group of another, releasing a molecule of water. This bond creates the backbone of the protein, which is essential for maintaining its structural integrity and function.

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Related Practice

Textbook Question

Draw the structure of the following amino acids, dipeptides, and tripeptides at low pH (pH 1) and high pH (pH 14). At each pH, assume that all functional groups that might do so are ionized.

a. Val

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