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Biochemistry: Cellular Organelles and Amino Acid Structure

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Terms in this set (20)

  • Which organelles are abundant in pancreatic beta cells that produce and secrete insulin?
    The Golgi apparatus and rough endoplasmic reticulum are abundant due to their roles in protein synthesis and processing.
  • Why do beta cells have a large amount of rough endoplasmic reticulum?
    Because the rough ER contains ribosomes that synthesize the protein hormone insulin.
  • What is the role of the Golgi apparatus in beta cells?
    The Golgi apparatus modifies, sorts, and packages insulin for secretion.
  • What is the structure of leucine at pH 12?
    At pH 12, leucine exists mainly as its deprotonated form with a negatively charged carboxylate group and a neutral amino group.
  • How does pH affect the ionization state of amino acids like leucine?
    At high pH (basic), the amino acid's carboxyl group is deprotonated and the amino group is neutral.
  • What functional groups are present in leucine?
    Leucine contains an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a hydrophobic isobutyl side chain.
  • What is the significance of the rough endoplasmic reticulum in protein-secreting cells?
    It is the site of protein synthesis for secreted and membrane proteins.
  • What distinguishes the rough ER from the smooth ER?
    The rough ER has ribosomes on its surface, while the smooth ER does not.
  • What is the primary function of mitochondria in cells?
    Mitochondria generate ATP through cellular respiration.
  • Why are mitochondria not the main organelles for insulin production?
    Because insulin is a protein hormone synthesized by ribosomes on the rough ER, not produced by mitochondria.
  • What is the role of lysosomes in cells?
    Lysosomes are involved in degradation of cellular waste and macromolecules.
  • Are lysosomes directly involved in insulin synthesis or secretion?
    No, lysosomes are not directly involved in insulin synthesis or secretion.
  • What is the cytoskeleton's role in cells?
    The cytoskeleton provides structural support and facilitates intracellular transport.
  • Are peroxisomes involved in insulin production?
    No, peroxisomes mainly handle lipid metabolism and detoxification.
  • What happens to the amino group of leucine at pH 12?
    The amino group is mostly neutral (NH2) due to deprotonation at high pH.
  • What happens to the carboxyl group of leucine at pH 12?
    The carboxyl group is deprotonated to form a carboxylate ion (COO-).
  • What is the charge state of leucine at physiological pH (~7.4)?
    Leucine exists as a zwitterion with a positively charged amino group and negatively charged carboxyl group.
  • What is the significance of amino acid ionization states in biochemistry?
    Ionization affects protein structure, enzyme activity, and molecular interactions.
  • How does the structure of leucine's side chain affect its properties?
    The hydrophobic isobutyl side chain makes leucine nonpolar and hydrophobic.
  • What is the general structure of an amino acid?
    An amino acid has a central carbon bonded to an amino group, carboxyl group, hydrogen, and a variable side chain (R group).