Skip to main content
Back

Proteins definitions

Control buttons has been changed to "navigation" mode.
1/17
  • Protein
    A biological macromolecule composed of amino acid chains, exhibiting structural and functional diversity in cells.
  • Amino Acid
    A monomer unit with a central carbon, hydrogen, amino group, carboxyl group, and a unique R group.
  • N-terminal
    The end of a polypeptide chain featuring a free amino group, marking the start of protein directionality.
  • C-terminal
    The end of a polypeptide chain with a free carboxyl group, indicating the chain's finish.
  • R Group
    A unique side chain in each amino acid, determining its chemical properties and classification.
  • Primary Structure
    The specific sequence and order of amino acids in a protein, influencing all higher structural levels.
  • Secondary Structure
    Local folding patterns in proteins, including alpha helices and beta sheets, stabilized by hydrogen bonds.
  • Alpha Helix
    A spiral-shaped secondary structure in proteins, formed by regular hydrogen bonding along the backbone.
  • Beta Sheet
    A zigzag or staircase-like secondary structure in proteins, created by hydrogen bonds between strands.
  • Tertiary Structure
    The overall three-dimensional shape of a protein, resulting from interactions among secondary structures.
  • Quaternary Structure
    A protein configuration involving multiple polypeptide chains, each with its own 3D structure.
  • Oligopeptide
    A short amino acid chain containing between 2 and 20 residues, often with limited function.
  • Peptide
    An amino acid chain with fewer than 50 residues, sometimes overlapping with oligopeptides.
  • Polypeptide
    A longer amino acid chain with more than 50 residues, forming the backbone of proteins.
  • Enzyme
    A protein that accelerates chemical reactions in cells, converting substrates to products without being consumed.
  • Active Site
    A region on an enzyme where substrates fit precisely, enabling the formation of an enzyme-substrate complex.
  • Enzyme-Substrate Complex
    A temporary association between an enzyme and its substrates, facilitating the conversion to products.